Berry Gordy, Jr. 1929–
Founder of Motown
When he was growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Berry Gordy, Jr. wanted to be either a songwriter or a boxer. He decided to pursue his dream of making music after boxing for a few years. He wrote one successful radio commercial before being sent to Korea to fight in World War II.
After he returned from the war, Gordy worked in a factory making cars. The work was very repetitive and this helped him compose songs in his head while he was working.
Gordy worked in the factory for two years, then quit his job to try songwriting. He created a music publishing company.
In 1958, Gordy decided to start his own recording company, Tamala Records. He later changed the company's name to Motown. Motown was different from other recording companies of the time. Gordy signed African American artists. He had an instinct for recognizing great talent. Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder were among Motown's artists. Gordy called the building where his company was located “Hitsville U.S.A.”.
In 1988, Gordy was added to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. He is best remembered as the founder of Motown Records, which produced music that millions of people wanted to hear.
Critical Thinking
What word would you use to describe Berry Gordy, Jr.? Explain your answer.