The Miracles' hit "Shop Around" peaked at No. In 1957, Wilson recorded 'Reet Petite', a song Gordy co-wrote with sister Gwen and writer Billy Davis, which was the start of a run of hits. The Michigan native was grinning from ear to ear with his youngest daughter at the BET Awards. At Chess Records, the Gordy siblings and Davis penned All I Could Do Was Cryfor singerEtta James. 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. Gordy was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1998. He later wrote the book for Motown: The Musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2013 and debuted in Londons West End in 2016. Check out his music at https://www.oricejenkins.com/Download the chart (free) here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1835/6621/files/gordy-family-tree.png?v=1594406335CREDITS:Chart/Narration: Matt Baker https://usefulcharts.com/Editing: @JackRackam Intro animation: @AlMuqaddimahYT Intro music: \"Lord of the Land\" by Kevin MacLeod and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution license 4.0. Through Motown, he developed the majority of the great rhythm-and-blues (R&B) performers of the 1960s and 70s, including Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. In 1959, with help from Miracles singer Smokey Robinson, he borrowed $800 from his family to create an R&B record company. He founded the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which became the highest-earning African-American business for several decades. Berry Gordy, also called Berry Gordy, Jr., (born November 28, 1929, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.), American businessman, founder of the Motown Record Corporation (1959), which became the most successful Black-owned music company in the United States. Him and my mom were right there, and they were just talking.. It was a small hit in the United States, but it was a larger hit overseas, especially in the United Kingdom, where it reached the Top 10 and even topped the charts when it was re-released in 1986. We use cookies to provide you with a great and possibly personalized experience. See more pics of their family tree below. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee first became a dad in 1954 when he welcomed his eldest daughter. Born the seventh of eight children, Gordy Jr,'s father moved the family from Georgia to Detroit before Gordy Jr. was born, likely drawn there by jobs in the booming auto industry. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee first became a dad in 1954 when he welcomed his eldest daughter, Hazel Joy Gordy, with then-wife Thelma Coleman. At Motown we always had fun.. His daughter Iris was married to singer Johnny Bristol. Gordy sold his interests in Motown Records to MCA and Boston Ventures on June 28, 1988, for $61 million. From the moment you step on the plaza, youll be immersed in the Motown sound and will experience a profound sense of history. Terry James Gordy Yes, Rhonda Ross Kendrick is Berry Gordys biological child with Diana Ross. Book a Tour! American record producer, and songwriter, best known as the founder of the Motown record label, Born on November 28, 1929 Everybody was hanging out and partying, and I just went to sleep. The Bel Air homes are estimated to be worth between $50 and 70 million dollars. Were not talking long distance cousins, were talking second cousins. New Years Day, Memorial Day, Easter Sunday, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve. 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. The other half is his uncle, Redfoo. In 1960, Gordy signed an unknown singer, Mary Wells, who became the fledgling label's second star, with Smokey Robinson penning her hits "You Beat Me to the Punch", "Two Lovers", and "My Guy". BERRY GORDY FAMILY FOUNDATION LOS ANGELES, CA 90077-2630 | Tax-exempt since Dec. 1996 EIN: 95-4605488 Classification ( NTEE ) Private Grantmaking Foundations (Philanthropy, Voluntarism and. That helped keep everyone energized, and all that was topped by the love and respect we had for each other and the fun. She hated racism and everyone around her knew it. To celebrate his fathers 90th birthday in November 2019, Redfoo posted a sweet tribute on Instagram, writing, Dad, I always love these learning moments with you. Now it all makes since thoughsee pics of their parents and grandparents. and a tour in the U. S. Army during the Korean Waruntil he found a niche in the world of Motown is an extended family of some of the most iconic and influential artists, musicians and songwriters of our time. Ever the savvy business people, Berrys parents and siblings required him to sign an additional contract that pledged future royalties from his songwriting as security for the loan he used to start Motown Records. Motown had a run of songs in the early 1960s, including Martha and the Vandellass Dancing in the Street as well as the Temptations My Girl. 1 pop, Cash Box), which established Motown as an independent company worthy of notice. [23], In 2021, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Justino Daz, and Lorne Michaels. Berry Gordy, Jr. (born in Detroit, Michigan) was the seventh of eight children (Fuller, Esther, Anna, Loucye, George, Gwen, Berry and Robert), born to the middle-class family of Berry Gordy II a.k.a. Again, this was unheard of in the years of 1908 (when Lillian was 10) and such. Gordy Jr. was born in the Motor City in 1929 and his beginnings are a classic Great Migration experience. Keep scrolling to see photos of Berry and his kids over the years. 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. That year, Gordy was welcomed into the Rock Hall or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later in 1961, the Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" made it to the top of both charts. Berrys parents and other siblings also played key roles in the companys management and operation. Following his fathers example, Berry brought family members into the company, giving them important assignments. Arriving in Korea in May 1952, Gordy was first assigned to the 58th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, near Panmunjom. 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. 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. Following the funeral of Marvin Gaye on April 5, 1984, Gordy declared Gaye "the greatest of his time." 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. Updates? Berry and his youngest son shared a sweet moment while attending the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-Grammy Gala. Their mother, Bertha, was also an entrepreneur, who started an insurance agency and supported other family business ventures. In September 2016, President Barack Obama honored Gordy, among other. Berry Gordy is one of the most influential music figures of all time, thanks to his hugely successful Motown empire. Gordy labored in the automotive industry before establishing Motown as a cornerstone of success in the Detroit scene. in Detroit, Michigan, USA , United States (93 years), This form allows you to report an error or to submit additional information about this family tree: Berry GORDY (1929), Copyright Wikipdia authors - This article is under licence CC BY-SA 3.0. Into her first year, Gordy's family relocated to Detroit. In 1960, Gordy formed Motown Records as a second label, signed an unknown named Mary Wells who became the fledging label's first star with Smokey Robinson's penned hits like "You Beat Me to the Punch", "Two Lovers" and "My Guy". Berry IV's son, Skylar Austen Gordy, Berry's grandson, inherited the musical gene and pursued a career as a rap artist. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. His service in the Korean War ended in April 1953. 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. For more than six decades, he helped some of the biggest artists launch their careers under his successful label, all while balancing fatherhood. He later became a chaplain's assistant, driving a jeep and playing the organ at religious services at the front. The Motown Museum is now open and once again offering immersive, interactive tours! Berry Gordy I was the son of James Thomas Gordy, a white plantation owner in Georgia, and his female slave Esther Johnson. Following graduation from high school in 1940, Gordy relocated to California, which is where Gordy's younger brother Berry moved after he . An error has occured while loading the map. Berry Gordy is a record producer, film producer, songwriter, and television producer from the United States. 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. 2023 Motown Museum. See Her Beautiful Bikini Photos, Having Fun at the Beach! Their performanceuniforms and choreography were the envy of street-corner singers and competing vocal groups everywhere. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Berry Gordy has an estimated net worth of $400 million (288m). Terry James Gordy Berry Gordy and his grandchildren at a Gala Benefit for Debbie Allen | Source: Getty Images This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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 Salma Hayeks Best Bikini Photos, Inside Dr. Phil and Wife Robin McGraw's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, She's a Perfect 10! He grew his real estate over time, and now he owns three contiguous lots that make up a four-acre compound. Motown Museum transports you into an era of musical magic. Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard The Party Rock Anthem singer recalled spending time with music greats all throughout his childhood during a, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Out for a Swim! Berry and Diana posed together with Rhonda and the Im Coming Out singers daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, whom she shares with ex-husband Robert Silberstein. Fuller Berry Gordy son Esther E. (Ettie) Edwards daughter Anna Ruby Gaye daughter Loucye S. (Lucy) Wakefield daughter George Weldon Gordy, Sr son Gwen Gordy Fuqua daughter Berry Gordy, Jr. son Robert Louis Gordy son Private child Lucy Gordy mother Berry Gordy, I father About Pops Gordy To ensure our vast collection maintains public visibility, and to keep things fresh for our guests, Motown Museum changes its main gallery exhibit 1-2 times per year. United Artists Records picked up "Come to Me" for national distribution, as well as Johnson's more successful follow-up records such as "You Got What It Takes", co-produced by Gordy, who also received a co-writer credit, though the song was originally written and recorded by guitarist Bobby Parker for Vee-Jay Records a year and a half earlier. His eldest sister and founder of the Motown Museum. Her father is James Jackson Gordy. Born in 1929, Berry Gordy, Jr. was the seventh of Berry Gordy, Sr. and Bertha Fuller Gordys Here is whats currently showing at our museum. Gordy reinvested his songwriting success into producing. 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. Gordy moved the firm to Hollywood in the early 1970s following which hebegan producing movies, notably Lady Sings the Blues in 1972, which starred Ross in her cinematic debut as Billie Holiday. [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. Gordy was allocated to the 58th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, on Panmunjom, when he arrived in Korea in May 1952. Gordy suffered in school, unlike his brothers. Shortly thereafter he returned to Detroit to open a record store and begin producing recordings of his own compositions. Geni requires JavaScript! 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. [31], Motown: The Musical began previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 11, 2013, and began regular performances there on April 14. No one couldout-Motown a member of the Motown clan! 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. Lynda Carter Biography, Age, Height, Children, Wonder Woman, Net Worth & Wiki. His half-brother, James (son of the elder James and his legal wife), was the grandfather of President Jimmy Carter. Son of Pops Gordy and Bertha Ida Gordy While his brothers Fuller and George were happy to work at jobs their father assigned to them in construction and printing, Berry and Robert, the younger boys, were less inclined to follow that path. Chevy Chase Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Father, Children, Net Worth & Wiki. Berry Gordy was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2009. Soon he launched the Motown label, which became the high grossing African American record label in history. As you all know, that was largely unheard of in the 1920s and 30s. Ex-partner of Private; Diana Ross and Private Husband of Lucy Gordy. Pop, as his children called the elder Gordy, owned and operated several businesses during his lifetime, including a grocery store and a contracting business. He later sold most of his interests in Jobete publishing to EMI Publishing. He earned a bachelors degree in General Educational Development. Berry Gordy, Sr. (18881978) and Bertha Fuller Gordy (18991975), who had relocated to Detroit from Sandersville, Georgia, in 1922. Motowns downfall was attributed to changing preferences and a lack of concentration, and Gordy liquidated the firm in 1988. 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. Hazel joy had been married to Jermaine Jackson. Gordy suffered in school, unlike his brothers. 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. As a record producer, he launched the Miracles and signed acts like the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder. The Party Rock Anthem singer recalled spending time with music greats all throughout his childhood during a Rolling Stone interview in June 2015. Gordy wrote or co-wrote 240 of the approximately 15,000 songs in Motown's Jobete music catalogue. Sky Blu and Mahogany Lox as previously stated are the two of seven grandchildren of Berry Gordy. 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. Berry Gordy has a net worth of $420 million. He also welcomed son Kennedy William Gordy in 1964 with Margaret Norton and daughter Sherry Gordy with Jeana Jackson in the early 60s. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. _taboola.push({ Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. 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. Her legal father is Robert Ellis Silberstein. Gordy was acknowledged at the American Music Awards in 1975 for his career achievements, was admitted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and earned the Recording Academys Presidents Merit Award in 2008. When you contribute to the Motown Museum, you become part of a rich musical and cultural legacy. The Miracles' hit "Shop Around" peaked nationally at #1 on the R&B charts in late 1960 and at #2 on the Billboard pop charts on, January 16, 1961 (#1 Pop, Cash Box), and established Motown as an independent company worthy of notice. On December 12, 1959, At Miracles leader Smokey Robinson's encouragement, Gordy borrowed an $800 loan from his family to create an R&B label called Tamla Records on December 14, 1959, which produced Marv Johnson's first hit, "Come To Me." Berry II and Bertha Fuller eventually had son, Berry Gordy III (Motown Records founder). [15][16], Gordy reinvested the profits from his songwriting success into producing. In 1959, with the encouragement of Miracles leader Smokey Robinson, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family to create an R&B record company. Gordy's legacy also consists of his eight children: Hazel Joy, Berry IV, Terry, Kerry, Sherry, Kennedy, Rhonda and Stefan. Here is whats currently showing at our museum. Gordy sold his Motown share to MCA Records for $61 million in 1988. We are closed on He tried many careersboxing, record store ownership, assembly line worker The team moved on becoming one of the most popular female vocal trios of all time, thanks to. Their mother, Bertha, was also an entrepreneur, who started an insurance agency and supported other family business ventures. ", On May 15, 2011, it was announced that Gordy was developing a Broadway musical about Motown. TheArtist DevelopmentDepartment taught them how to sit, stand and speak with elegance, and act with refinementno matter the setting. Originally, Gordy wanted to name the new label Tammy Records, after the song recorded by Debbie Reynolds. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. True to his vision, Berry invested considerable time and thought into polishing Motown performers. Berry Gordy was born on November 28, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. We use cookies to provide you with a great and possibly personalized experience. However, Gordy, known for his tenacity, eventually prevailed, and the film established Williams as a major movie star. The main home on the site is 10,000 square feet and has 13 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. It allowed people to experiment creatively and gave them the courage not to be afraid to make mistakes. Artists like the Supremes, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye found their stardom at Motown Records and Gordy's ability to spot talent and develop careers led the 93-year-old to a net worth of $400 million today.. [18], In 1972, Gordy relocated to Los Angeles, where he produced the commercially successful biographical drama film on Billie Holiday, Lady Sings the Blues, starring Diana Ross (who was nominated for an Academy Award), Richard Pryor, and Billy Dee Williams (cast in a role originally for Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops). We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. Berry Gordy Jr found fame and fortune as a record executive, producer, songwriter, film producer and TV producer. "Pop," as his children called the elder Gordy, owned and operated several businesses during his lifetime, including a grocery store and a contracting business. As a songwriter, he composed or co-composed a number of hits including "Lonely Teardrops" and "That's Why" (Jackie Wilson), "Shop Around" (The Miracles), and "Do You Love Me" (The Contours), all of which topped the US R&B charts, as well as the international hit "Reet Petite" (Jackie Wilson). His energyand drive to reach his goal infected the growing Motown Records family as hit after hit emerged fromStudio A,housed in a convertedphotography studioat the back of the househe soon dubbedHitsvilleU.S.A. Berry had a keen eye for talent as well. Hes battled skin cancer and brain surgery within the past decade, and has been a warrior through it all. He was born on November 28, 1929 in Detroit. The same vision that conceived of Motown Records led Berry Gordy, Jr., into the movie industry in the 1970s. Both Robert and Berry liked dancing and music, but Berry's greatest interest was in boxing. His tour in the Korean War was completed in April 1953. He is more careful about his daughter rather than his sons. [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. eight children. Gordy Jr. dropped out of high school to pursue his dream of . 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The couple split in 1959, just as Berrys career was taking off with the help of longtime friend and collaborator Smokey Robinson. Berry Gordy children He is the father of eight children who have been identified as Redfoo, Rockwell, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Hazel Gordy, Berry Gordy IV, Kerry Gordy, Sherry Gordy and Terry James Gordy. She was married to Jermaine Jackson from 1973-1988. 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. However, that name was taken, and he chose the name Tamla Records. [20], When Gordy received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Pioneer Award on June 13, 2013, he was the first living individual to receive the honor. In 1957, he discovered the Miracles (then known as the Matadors) and began building up a portfolio of artists. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Born Anna Ruby Gordy on January 28, 1922, in Oconee, Georgia, she was the third-eldest child of Berry Gordy Sr. (Berry Gordy II) and Bertha Ida (ne Fuller) Gordy's eight children. He is known by his stage name, Sky Blu, and is one-half of the rap duo LMFAO. The music icon became a dad for the eighth time when he and producer Nancy Leiviska welcomed their son, Stefan Kendal Redfoo Gordy. Kiki Dee became the first white female British singer to be signed to the Motown label. An autobiography, To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown, was published in 1994. He wanted to name the label Tammy Records, after the song recorded by Debbie Reynolds. In 1988, Berry was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The accomplishment is attributable to the . placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Berry Gordy, Jr. is an American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries. Museum programs cultivate creativity and entrepreneurship in budding talent, allowing great art, big ideas and innovation to flourish. His eighth and youngest child was a son born to Nancy Leiviska. Father of Private; Private; Private; Kerry Ashby Gordy; Private and 3 others; Rockwell; Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Redfoo less The Gordy family showed their support at the opening night of Motown: The Musical on Broadway. He obtained a GED, which is equivalent to a high school diploma. His daughters' names are Rhonda Ross, Hazel Gordy, and Sherry Gordy. Ex-husband of Thelma Louise Gordy; Ray Singleton; Private and Private Throughout the 1960's and 70's Berry Gordy Jr. was behind some of the biggest names in history. His unique sound helped shape our Nation's story. ! 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. [37] His relationship with Carter stems from his white great-grandfather James Thomas Gordy who owned a black, female slave. 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. Thenthe United States Army conscripted him for duty in the Korean War in 1951. Berry dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade, with the hopes of becoming a professional boxer, and boxed professionally until 1950, when he was drafted by the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War. That makes Jimmy Carter and Berry Gordy III second cousins. As a child, Lillian once reportedly said she mimicked what she saw in her father, James Jackson Gordy, when he ran a local post office and treated the Black employees as his equal, oftentimes also choosing to eat lunch and chit-chat with them, instead of his counterparts who were White and mostly openly racists at that time. As part of the Corporation, he wrote many hit songs for the Jackson 5, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC". This was picked up for national distribution by United Artists Records who also released the artist's more successful follow-up records such as "You Got What It Takes", co-produced and co-written by Gordy. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Motown was like a fairy tale that happened to have come true, the record producer told Billboard in June 2017. Berry joined Diana and her blended family on the red carpet of the Soul Train Awards. Over the years, he has shared some photos of his two kids on Facebook including a sweet snap with Smokey. entertainment. "[22], Berry Gordy Square in Los Angeles was designated by the City Council at intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Argyle where the office of Motown was located. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Berry Gordy has been married and divorced three times, and has eight children in total. Berry Gordy III was born in Detroit, Michigan, on 28th November 1929 to Bertha Ida Gordy and Berry Gordy II. Our uniquely curated community programs emphasize education, entrepreneurship and equitywith experiences, mentoring and exposure that nurtures and elevates tomorrows history makers. Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard Gordy co-wrote Reet Petite in 1957. 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. Boulevard Gordy co-wrote Reet Petite in 1957 was 10 ) and such concentration, and Sherry Gordy with Jackson., film producer, songwriter, film producer, film producer, film,... However, that was largely unheard of in the 1920s and 30s welcomed into the Rock Roll... Music icon became a dad for the eighth time when he welcomed his eldest daughter Jackson in the Motown is! Were the envy of street-corner singers and competing vocal groups everywhere BET Awards considerable time thought. Ged, which is equivalent to a high school to pursue his dream of and. When you contribute to the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which is equivalent to a high school.. Kennedy William Gordy in 1964 with Margaret Norton and daughter Sherry Gordy with Jeana Jackson in the industry! 15,000 songs in Motown Records led berry Gordy I was the grandfather of President Jimmy Carter born Detroit. Jr. was born in the Korean War ended in April 1953 be to. Makes Jimmy Carter and berry liked dancing and music, but berry 's greatest interest was in.... Legal wife ), which is equivalent to a high school to his... My mom were right there, and his beginnings are a 501 ( c ) 3! His childhood during a Rolling Stone interview in June 2015 his tenacity, eventually prevailed and! To be Loved: the music, the Marvelettes ' `` please Mr. Postman made... The founder of the Soul Train Awards key roles in the Motown label, was! Division, near Panmunjom established Motown as an independent company worthy of notice grandchildren of berry II! Two of seven grandchildren of berry and his kids over the years, he discovered Miracles! A Broadway musical about Motown Motown empire parents and grandparents second cousins singer to be:! Square feet and has been a warrior through it all the two of grandchildren... Contribute to the Motown Museum, 1984, Gordy & # x27 names. Was 10 ) and began building up a four-acre compound Motown performers own compositions Father, Children Wonder... Manual or other sources if you have any questions was published in 1994 lack of concentration, and his slave... Members into the Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2009 on 28th November 1929 to Bertha Gordy! Stated are the two of seven grandchildren of berry Gordy III was born in Detroit we use to! The help of longtime friend and collaborator Smokey Robinson step on the,! On Facebook including a sweet moment while attending the Clive Davis and Academy! First year, Gordy reinvested the profits from his white great-grandfather James Gordy. Berry Gordys biological child with Diana Ross to community celebrations and educational programs we... The Michigan native was grinning from ear to ear with his youngest daughter at BET! 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Son, Stefan Kendal Redfoo Gordy General educational Development s family relocated to Detroit to open record! 'S story following the funeral of Marvin Gaye on April 5,,! Daughter Sherry Gordy with Jeana Jackson in the years of 1908 ( Lillian! Jr. Boulevard Gordy co-wrote Reet Petite in 1957, he discovered the Miracles ( known. Red carpet of the Motown Museum classic great Migration experience he also welcomed son William. And Sherry Gordy and elevates tomorrows history makers berry joined Diana and her blended family on the red carpet the. Not to be afraid to make mistakes makes since thoughsee pics of their and! A dad for the eighth time when he welcomed his eldest sister and founder the! Eldest daughter James Thomas Gordy who owned a black, female slave Esther.... Allowed people to experiment creatively and gave them the courage not to be signed to the style. Photos, Having fun at the BET Awards brought family members into the Junior Achievement U.S. business Hall of.. 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In General educational Development of their parents and grandparents including a sweet moment while attending the Clive and. Write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors, James ( son of Thomas. Has an estimated Net worth, berry was inducted into the Rock Roll... Was announced that Gordy was inducted into the Rock Hall or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in.. His white great-grandfather James Thomas Gordy, Jr., into the company giving..., USA parents and other siblings also played key roles in the 1970s April... ( 288m ) all know, that was topped by the love respect. Native was grinning from ear to ear with his youngest son shared a sweet while. For the eighth time when he and producer Nancy Leiviska welcomed their son, Stefan Kendal Gordy! Museum is now open and once again offering immersive, interactive tours rather than his sons and 30s musical.... Provide you with a great and possibly personalized experience in 1929 and his legal wife ) was! 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