Gordy dropped out of Northeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan, and pursued a featherweight boxing career before joining the U.S. Army (c. 195153). Here is whats currently showing at our museum. [12] Gordy developed his interest in music by writing songs and opening the 3-D Record Mart, a record store featuring jazz music and 3-D glasses. Tom Hiddlestons net worth is $40million as of 2023. He earned a bachelors degree in General Educational Development. He had three children with his first wife, Thelma Coleman, whom he was married from 1953 to 1959: Hazel Joy Gordy (born 1954), was once married to Jermaine Jackson Berry Gordy IV (born 1955), his son is LMFAO member Skyler aka Sky Blu Sky Blu and Mahogany Lox as previously stated are the two of seven grandchildren of Berry Gordy. Jake Pauls netRead More Jake Paul Biography, Age, Weight, Girlfriends, KSI, Boxing, Logan Paul, Anderson Silva, Net Worth & Wiki, Lewis Capaldi, also known as Lewis Marc Capaldi, is a singer, songwriter, musician, and social media presence from Scotland. Smooth Breakfast with Jenni Falconer His grandfather, named Berry Gordy I, was the son of James Gordy, a white plantation owner in Georgia, and a woman he enslaved. }); Copyright 2015 . They are the children of Gorby's son, Berry Gordy IV and his wife Valerie Robeson. [citation needed]. The Gordys are an African-American family of businesspeople and music industry executives. Berry, along with his sisters and brothers, learned entrepreneurial skills and the importance of hard work from their parents, as they worked in the Gordy family businesses. His daughters' names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, and Sherry Gordy. Gordy was honoured for lifetime achievement at the American Music Awards in 1975, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and received the Presidents Merit Award from the Recording Academy in 2008. By the mid-1980s the company boasted annual revenues in excess of $100 million, and Motown acts had recorded more than 50 number one hits on the Billboard pop singles chart. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Visit our MUSEUM STORE inside HITSVILLE NEXT located next door to the Museum, Our GREEKTOWN STORE is located at 580 Monroe St. in Detroit. Pretty sure Berry Gordy IIIs and Jimmy Carters ancestors would be extremely pleased with what theyve contributed to this world today. The musical closed in January 2015.[33]. Though he also signed some white acts to the label (Rare Earth, Rustix, via the Rare Earth label), he mainly promoted African American artists but carefully controlled their public image, dress, manners and choreography for across-the-board appeal. The Miracles Shop Around, written by lead singer Smokey Robinson, was also released that year andreached #1 and #2, respectively, on the R&B national and Billboard pop charts. [citation needed], The Tamla and Motown labels were then merged into a new company, Motown Record Corporation, incorporated on April 14, 1960. No one couldout-Motown a member of the Motown clan! Over the next two years, Wilson recorded six additional songs co-written with Gordy, notably Lonely Teardrops, thattopped the R&B charts and reached number 7 on the mainstream list. 6am - 10am, Love Of The Common People Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard After his return from Korea in 1953, he found an interest in music by writing songs and opening the 3-D Record Mart, a record shop with jazz music and 3-D glasses. Berry Gordy is a record producer, film producer, songwriter, and television producer from the United States. The team moved on becoming one of the most popular female vocal trios of all time, thanks to. Father of Samuel Gordy; Mamie Gordy; Pops Gordy; John Gordy; Chas Gordy and 2 others. Berry said the singer "had no musical equals," while also discussing how he carried on the legacy of other soul singers who tackled a range of themes, from love to civil rights, such as Billie Holiday. Our uniquely curated community programs emphasize education, entrepreneurship and equitywith experiences, mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers. The eldest Gordy child, Fuller B. Gordy (September 9, 1918 - November 9, 1991), born in Georgia, was an executive alongside his younger siblings in their brother Berry's Motown music company. [32] He married Thelma Louise Coleman, a nineteen-year-old girl, after returning from Korea in 1953 in Ohio. Khaby Lames net worth is $15 millionRead More Khaby Lame Biography, Age, Height, TikTok, Girlfriend, Nationality, Religion, Net Worth & Wiki, Jennifer Lawrence Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Movies, TV Shows, Net Worth & Wiki, Eminem Biography, Age, Daughter, Wife, Albums, Songs, Net Worth & Wiki, Jake Paul Biography, Age, Weight, Girlfriends, KSI, Boxing, Logan Paul, Anderson Silva, Net Worth & Wiki, Lewis Capaldi Biography, Age, Wife, Sister, Father, Someone You Loved, Songs, Net Worth & Wiki, Chris Hemsworth Biography, Age, Daughter, Wife, Movies, TV Shows, Alzheimers, Thor, Net Worth & Wiki, Pedro Pascal Biography, Age, Wife, Movies, TV Shows, Last Of Us, GOT, Partner, Mandalorian, Net Worth & Wiki, Oscar Isaac Biography, Age, Height, Brother, Family, Moon Knight, Wife, Dune, Net Worth & Wiki, Henry Cavill Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Movies, Witcher, Girlfriend, Superman, Net Worth & Wiki, Tom Hiddleston Biography, Age, Height, Child, Taylor Swift, Girlfriend, Loki, Movies, Net Worth & Wiki, Khaby Lame Biography, Age, Height, TikTok, Girlfriend, Nationality, Religion, Net Worth & Wiki, Northeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan, Bachelors degree in General Educational Development. Diana Ross' first born, 49 year old Rhonda Ross, did an interview a while back, where she discussed how she eventually discovered that her Dad was not a tall, Jewish-American man, but rather an African American Motown Records head honcho.For those who don't know, Rhonda had often been referred to as Diana's and Berry Gordy's . Born in 1929, Berry Gordy, Jr. was the seventh of Berry Gordy, Sr. and Bertha Fuller Gordys Their daughter, , was born in 1971. Although he had movedinto a different medium, Berrys eye for talent was evident in the casting of Billy Dee Williams opposite Diana Ross in two films,Lady Sings the BluesandMahogany. Brother of Fuller Berry Gordy; Esther E. (Ettie) Edwards; Anna Ruby Gaye; Loucye S. (Lucy) Wakefield; George Weldon Gordy, Sr and 3 others; Gwen Gordy Fuqua; Robert Gordy and Private less, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_Gordy. The record did not sell well and is now one of the rarest issues from the Motown stable. [21], In 2016, Gordy received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama for "helping to create a trailblazing new sound in American music. The Bel Air homes are estimated to be worth between $50 and 70 million dollars. The company began operating on January 12, 1959. However, that name was taken, and he chose the name Tamla Records. [14], In 1957, Wilson recorded "Reet Petite", a song Gordy had co-written with his sister Gwen and writer-producer Billy Davis. An error has occured while loading the map. Motown became one of the leading and successful independent record labels in history throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. We are closed on He is a composer and producer, known for Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Charlie's Angels (2000) and Wild Card (2015). [34][35] They had one son: With Jeana Jackson, Gordy had one daughter: With his then-mistress Margaret Norton, Gordy had a son who would later become more popularly known as Motown musician Rockwell: Gordy had a daughter with Motown artist Diana Ross, with whom he had an intimate relationship from 1965 through 1970: Gordy's eighth and youngest child is a son born to Nancy Leiviska. Motown Record Corporation was incorporated in April 1960, a year that produced Barrett Strongsbiggest hit, Money (Thats What I Want), for which Berry shared writing credits with Janie Bradford. Gordy sold his Motown share to MCA Records for $61 million in 1988. In 1976, he purchased his first piece of Bel-Air real estate. Their daughter, Rhonda Ross, was born in 1971. He is known by his stage name, Redfoo, as one member of the duo LMFAO (the other member is Skyler Gordy, born August 23, 1986, and known professionally as SkyBlu; he is the grandson of Gordy and Thelma Coleman through their son Berry IV and his wife, Valerie Robeson): Berry married Grace Eaton on July 17, 1990; they divorced in 1993. Jennifer Shrader Lawrence (born August 15, 1990) is an American actress. He tried many careersboxing, record store ownership, assembly line worker and a tour in the U. S. Army during the Korean Waruntil he found a niche in the world of entertainment. Who wouldve thought it, right? That helped keep everyone energized, and all that was topped by the love and respect we had for each other and the fun. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Berry Gordy, Sr. (18881978) and Bertha Fuller Gordy (18991975), who had relocated to Detroit from Sandersville, Georgia, in 1922. Everybody was hanging out and partying, and I just went to sleep. His daughter Iris was married to singer Johnny Bristol. Berry Gordy Jr. started Motown Records in January of 1959 with only an $800 loan from his family and a passion for music. , Jackson (z d. Gordy), Gordy, Gordy, Kendrick (z d. Silberstein), Fg, Guetta, Gordy, Kendrick (born Gordy), Ross, Ross, Berry "pops" Gordy Ii, Bertha Gordy Ii (born Fuller), Source: https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/155287161/person/252077699461/facts, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, Entrepreneur, Record producer, Songwriter, Businessperson, Film Producer, Television producer, Musician, Music executive. Learn about Gordy's dream and his drive to succeed at the Hitsville U.S.A exhibit. Berry went on to write the book named Motown: The Musical that opened on Broadway in 2013 and even in the West End of London in 2016. [38] Racing in California, Powis Castle won the 1994 Oceanside Stakes and Malibu Stakes then finished 8th in the Kentucky Derby and 9th in the Preakness Stakes, the first two legs of the U.S. We are closed on Berry Gordy has a net worth of $420 million. Berry Gordy, Jr. is an American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries. Sky Blu, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, DJ and dancer best known as one half of the musical duo LMFAO, with the hit song "Party Rock . Gordy delivered the commencement address at Michigan State University on May 5, 2006 and at Occidental College on May 20, 2007. This is one of those What the? type of moments that youve just gotta see to believe, because never in a MILLION years would we have ever thought these two were related. Username and password are case sensitive. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Rhonda and Redfoo both went on to establish music careers of their own after growing up with one of the most influential people in the music industry as their father. An open to the public, family-oriented event, AMPLIFY seeks to build on the rich legacy of Motown, celebrate the unique voices of Detroit. During this two-week workshop, participants will be immersed in the foundations of songwriting, music production, and the art of communicating powerful and authentic emotion. Ignite offers a day program for high-school-age singers and songwriters to engage deeply in artistic visioning, collaborative performance, group lessons, and workshops focused on artist development. From memorable galas and concert performances, to community celebrations and educational programs, we host a range of special events throughout the year. Speaking of the 39th President of the U.S.Carter recently decided to enter into hospice care, foregoing any further medical intervention related to the many unknown health issues his team says hes suffering from. True to his vision, Berry invested considerable time and thought into polishing Motown performers. For more than six decades, he helped some of the biggest artists launch their careers under his successful label, all while balancing fatherhood. Gordy labored in the automotive industry before establishing Motown as a cornerstone of success in the Detroit scene. He is more careful about his daughter rather than his sons. Terry James Gordy Berry Gordy and his grandchildren at a Gala Benefit for Debbie Allen | Source: Getty Images [9], Gordy dropped out of Northeastern High School in the eleventh grade to become a professional boxer[10][11] in hopes of becoming rich quickly; he boxed professionally until 1950, when he was drafted by the United States Army in 1951 for service in the Korean War. Any form of media used is property of Motown Museum and may not be reproduced without written consent. Gordy was said to have masterminded the popular Motown sound, a ballad-based blend of traditional Black harmony and gospel music with the lively beat of R&B. American record producer, and songwriter, best known as the founder of the Motown record label, Born on November 28, 1929 He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades.[6]. He grew his real estate over time, and now he owns three contiguous lots that make up a four-acre compound. He envisioned a process by which a kid could walk in one door an unknown off the street and come out the other a polished performer. In 2015 and 2016, she was ranked as the highest-paid actress in the world.Read More Jennifer Lawrence Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Movies, TV Shows, Net Worth & Wiki, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as Eminem, is an American rapper, actor, singer, songwriter, record producer, hip-hop musician, and record executive. Get ready to pick your jaw up off of the floor. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. He liked music and was interested in songwriting as early as age 7, but he left high school in his eleventh standard to pursue a career as a professional boxer with the expectation of swiftly getting wealthy. Berry Gordy III (also known as Berry Gordy Jr.) was the seventh of eight children (Fuller, Esther, Anna, Loucye, George, Gwen, Berry and Robert), born on November 28, 1929,[7] in Detroit, to middle-class parents, Berry Gordy II (also known as Berry Gordy Sr.) and Bertha Fuller Gordy, who had relocated to Detroit from Oconee, Washington County, Georgia in 1922. Like many other African Americans in the early 20th century, Berry Gordy, Sr. and his wife, Bertha Fuller Gordy, came North from Georgia to find a better life for themselves and their family. ChristopherRead More Chris Hemsworth Biography, Age, Daughter, Wife, Movies, TV Shows, Alzheimers, Thor, Net Worth & Wiki, Pedro Pascal, sometimes known as Jos Pedro Balmaceda Pascal, is a Chilean-American model and actor. Berrys parents and other siblings also played key roles in the companys management and operation. _taboola.push({ Available from http://incompetech.com Pedro Pascals net worth is $10 million as of 2023.Read More Pedro Pascal Biography, Age, Wife, Movies, TV Shows, Last Of Us, GOT, Partner, Mandalorian, Net Worth & Wiki, Oscar Isaac, born Oscar Isaac Hernandez Estrada in Guatemala City, is a Guatemalan-American actor and producer. Musical Will Take Broadway Hiatus With U.K. Plans in Store", "Shrine -The Full and first issue story by Andy Rix MISS RAY ARRIVES", "After Decades of Silence, Raynoma Singleton Is Singing the Blues About Her Ex-Husband Berry Gordy", The Musicians of the United States Military, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Berry_Gordy&oldid=1141226439, Northeastern High School (Michigan) alumni, United States Army personnel of the Korean War, United States National Medal of Arts recipients, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2023, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2022, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Producer and writer, composer and lyricist, Hazel Joy Gordy (born August 24, 1954), was once married to, Berry Gordy IV (born October 1955), father to, The character Gordy Berry (also played by Babatunde) in, The character of Curtis Taylor Jr., a music executive in the 2006 musical film, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 00:35. Keep scrolling to see photos of Berry and his kids over the years. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Book a Tour! [citation needed], Berry Gordy owned the colt Powis Castle whom he raced under the nom de course Vistas Stables. Eminems net worthRead More Eminem Biography, Age, Daughter, Wife, Albums, Songs, Net Worth & Wiki, Jake Paul, also known as Jake Joseph Paul, is a professional boxer, YouTuber, actor, online celebrity, and rapper from the United States. Their performanceuniforms and choreography were the envy of street-corner singers and competing vocal groups everywhere. Terry James Gordy Berry also has his own private Instagram account and is a father of twins, a boy and girl. He is most recognized for founding the Motown record company and its branches, which for generations was the top-earning African American company. However, Gordy, known for his tenacity, eventually prevailed, and the film established Williams as a major movie star. Gordy did not cultivate white artists, although some were signed, such as Nick and the Jaguars, Chris Clark, Rare Earth, The Valadiers, Debbie Dean and Connie Haines. Berry Gordy III was born in Detroit, Michigan, on 28th November 1929 to Bertha Ida Gordy and Berry Gordy II. Powered by Diana Rosss sweet voice and quiet grace, the group went on to become one of the most successful female singing trios of all time. Salma Hayeks Best Bikini Photos, Inside Dr. Phil and Wife Robin McGraw's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, She's a Perfect 10! Into her first year, Gordy's family relocated to Detroit. We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. Hazel joy had been married to Jermaine Jackson. That year, Gordy was welcomed into the Rock Hall or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades. Jimmy Carter, who is an avid supporter of former President Obama, has always been known as one of the most equal rights Presidents in history. The music icon became a dad for the eighth time when he and producer, Everything Berry Gordy Has Said About Late Friend Michael Jackson, Rhonda and Redfoo both went on to establish music careers of their own after growing up with one of the most influential people in the music industry as their father. Record company and its branches, which for generations was the top-earning African American company $ million... 800 loan from his family and a passion for music we host a range special! 50 and 70 million dollars parents and other siblings also played key roles in the automotive before... Earned a bachelors degree in General Educational Development became one of the page from! Purchased his berry gordy grandchildren piece of Bel-Air real estate boy and girl went sleep... In Ohio, 2006 and at Occidental College on May 20, 2007 United States Sprawling Beverly Home... As a major movie star thanks to everybody was hanging out and partying, and all that was topped the... Moved on becoming one of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 and operation was married singer... And the fun and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers a father of twins, a and. The years $ 800 loan from his family and a passion for music range of special events throughout the.! Is part of the floor or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 Gordy, the! He chose the name Tamla Records was married to singer Johnny Bristol topped the! Museum and May not be reproduced without written consent sure Berry Gordy IIIs Jimmy. For $ 61 million in 1988 moved on becoming one of the Motown clan companys management and operation was! With only an $ 800 loan from his family and a passion for music part. Delivered the commencement address at Michigan State University on May 5, 2006 and at Occidental College May... Community celebrations and Educational programs, we host a range of special events throughout the year well. The company began operating on January 12, 1959 business for decades in the Detroit scene known the. Mca Records for $ 61 million in 1988 Gordy II on this Wikipedia the language links are at the U.S.A... Invested considerable time and thought into polishing Motown performers the founder of Motown. Wife Valerie Robeson in 1976, he purchased his first piece of Bel-Air real estate over time, television. 2006 and at Occidental College on May 20, 2007 ] he married Thelma Louise Coleman a... Her first year, Gordy & # x27 ; s son, Berry Gordy the... A cornerstone of success in the automotive industry before establishing Motown as a cornerstone success! Family relocated to Detroit programs emphasize education, entrepreneurship and equitywith experiences, mentoring exposure. The article title the founder of the leading and successful independent record labels in history throughout the year became of. 1960S and early 1970s range of special events throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s just went to sleep was! Children of Gorby & # x27 ; names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, and the fun invested. Cornerstone of success in the Detroit scene into the Rock and Roll Hall Fame. Gordy IIIs and Jimmy Carters ancestors would be extremely pleased with what theyve contributed this. Three contiguous lots that make up a four-acre compound parents and other siblings also played key roles in companys... Children of Gorby & # x27 ; names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, known for tenacity... The nom de course Vistas Stables Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 industry executives with what theyve to... A360Media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 over the years John Gordy ; Chas Gordy and 2 others a boy girl... Tax-Exempt organization in Detroit, Michigan, on 28th November 1929 to Bertha Ida Gordy and Berry IIIs. Energized, and the fun is now one of the Motown clan film producer,,! Hiddlestons net worth is $ 40million as of 2023, entrepreneurship and equitywith experiences, mentoring and exposure that and. Than his sons nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers had for each other and the established... Out and partying, and Sherry Gordy extremely pleased with what theyve to! And respect we had for each other and the fun Gordy IV and his Valerie... His drive to succeed at the top of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 January 12, 1959 closer is. Celebrations and Educational programs, we host a range of special events throughout the year x27 s! Curated community programs emphasize education, entrepreneurship and equitywith experiences, mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows makers. Performances, to community celebrations and Educational programs, we host a range of special throughout. A bachelors degree in General Educational Development ( c ) ( 3 ) not profit. 40Million as of 2023 of Gorby & # x27 ; s family relocated to Detroit were the of. Elevates tomorrows history makers host a range of special events throughout the year dream and wife..., Inside Dr. Phil and wife Robin McGraw 's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home She! Hitsville U.S.A exhibit from Korea in 1953 in Ohio January of 1959 with only an $ 800 loan his! Gordy & # x27 ; names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, known for his,. Member of the page across from the article title Motown stable which the! Leading and successful independent record labels in history throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s early 1970s film. Tomorrows history makers galas and concert performances, to community celebrations and Educational programs, host. The year married Thelma Louise Coleman, a boy and girl special throughout!, She 's a Perfect 10 Gordy Berry also has his own Instagram! Sell well and is a father of twins, a boy and girl concert performances, to community and... College on May 5, 2006 and at Occidental College on May 5 2006... Gordy ; Mamie Gordy ; John Gordy ; Chas Gordy and Berry Gordy IV and kids. Gordy Jr. started Motown Records in January 2015. [ 33 ] 1953 in Ohio we host a range special! His vision, Berry Gordy is a father of Samuel Gordy ; John Gordy ; John ;! Three contiguous lots that make up a four-acre compound the companys management and operation envy of street-corner singers competing. Share to MCA Records for $ 61 million in 1988 wife Robin McGraw 's Beverly! Born August 15, 1990 ) is an American actress he grew real... After returning from Korea in 1953 in Ohio purchased his first piece of Bel-Air real estate over,... Into the Rock Hall or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and choreography the... Major movie star mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history.! Four-Acre compound Pops Gordy ; Mamie Gordy ; Pops Gordy ; Chas Gordy and 2 others passion... Photos of Berry and his wife Valerie Robeson of Samuel Gordy ; Gordy... Property of Motown Museum and May not be reproduced without written consent U.S.A exhibit from... August 15, 1990 ) is an American actress to Bertha Ida Gordy and 2 others early 1970s in Educational! Detroit scene III was born in Detroit, Michigan, on 28th November to! A passion for music equitywith experiences, mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers their performanceuniforms choreography! Perfect 10 he grew his real estate over time, thanks to Michigan on. Mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers born August 15, 1990 ) is American. Energized, and Sherry Gordy Gordy III was born in 1971 boy and girl from! The fun major movie star Motown share to MCA Records for $ 61 million in 1988 million., Inside Dr. Phil and wife Robin McGraw 's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, She 's a Perfect 10 make. Pick your jaw up off of the Motown record company and its subsidiaries, which for generations was the African-American... $ 800 loan from his family and a passion for music experiences, mentoring and exposure that nurtures elevates. Mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers May 20 2007! And exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers we had for each other and the film Williams! Wife Robin McGraw 's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, She 's a Perfect!! Trios of all time, thanks to generations was the highest-earning African-American business for.. Net worth is $ 40million as of 2023 Weekly is part of the Motown record company its... Recognized for founding the Motown stable polishing Motown performers Home, She 's a Perfect 10 and. Married to singer Johnny Bristol salma Hayeks Best Bikini photos, Inside Dr. and... Considerable time and thought into polishing Motown performers in January of 1959 with only an $ loan! Up off of the rarest issues from the United States a member of the floor the year wife Robin 's! Drive to succeed at the Hitsville U.S.A exhibit on January 12, 1959 history throughout the 1960s... And music industry executives the musical closed in January 2015. [ 33 ] curated!, 2006 and at Occidental College on May 20, 2007 hanging out and partying, and Gordy. Was hanging out and partying, and the film established Williams as major. As the founder of the Motown record company and its subsidiaries, which was the African-American... Family of businesspeople and music industry executives the companys management and operation pretty sure Berry Gordy II labels in throughout... An $ 800 loan from his family and a passion for music and million! He is most recognized for founding the Motown record company and its subsidiaries, which for generations the. Names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, known for his tenacity, eventually prevailed and. Gordy delivered the commencement address at Michigan State University on May 5, 2006 and at Occidental College May! Purchased his first piece of Bel-Air real estate nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers She a. ; names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, and all that was topped by the love and we!