Berry Gordy is an American record executive, producer, songwriter, film producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Motown Records. With a career of over six decades, Gordy has achieved great success and amassed a significant net worth. This article will delve into the details of Berry Gordy Net Worth, his contributions to the music industry, and other interesting facts about his life.
Contents
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Berry Gordy Jr. |
|---|---|
| Popular Name | Berry Gordy |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | November 28, 1929 |
| Age | 92 years old |
| Parents | Berry Gordy Sr. and Bertha Fuller Gordy |
| Siblings | Anna Gordy Gaye, George Gordy, Esther Gordy Edwards, Robert Gordy, Loucye Gordy Wakefield |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Education | Dropped out of high school |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse | Ray Singleton (m. 1990–1993), Thelma Coleman (m. 1953–1959) |
| Children | Eight children, including Berry Gordy IV, Hazel Joy Gordy, Kerry Gordy, Sherry Gordy, Kennedy Gordy, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Rockwell Gordy, Stefan Kendall Gordy |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $400 million (as of 2023) |
| Source of Wealth | Music industry, record producer, film producer, record executive |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
What is Berry Gordy Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
According to Celebritynetworth, Berry Gordy’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million as of 2023. His incredible success in the music industry, particularly as the founder of Motown Records Label, has contributed significantly to his wealth.
Gordy’s entrepreneurial skills and talent for identifying and nurturing promising artists allowed him to build an empire that revolutionized popular music.
Why is Berry Gordy Famous?
Berry Gordy is famous for founding Motown Records, a record label that produced some of the most iconic and influential music of the 20th century. His impact on popular music and his role in launching the careers of legendary artists have earned him widespread recognition.
Biography Overview
Early Life
Berry Gordy Jr. was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a deeply passionate family about music, as his father Berry Gordy Sr. was a successful entrepreneur who owned a record store. At a young age, Gordy’s exposure to various music genres sparked his interest in songwriting and producing.
Education
Gordy dropped out of high school in the 11th grade to pursue a career as a professional boxer. However, his boxing career was cut short when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After his military service, Gordy opened a record store called 3-D Record Mart, where he sold jazz albums to an African-American customer base.
The store didn’t do well, so Gordy tried to find a job at the Lincoln-Mercury plant. However, thanks to his family’s connections, he contacted Al Green (not the singer Reverend Al Green), who owned the Flame Show Bar Talent Club. There, he had the chance to meet the singer Jackie Wilson.
Career and Awards
In 1957, Jackie Wilson recorded a song called Reet Petite, written by Gordy, his sister Gwen, and writer-producer Billy Davis. The song was somewhat popular, but it became even more successful internationally, especially in the UK, where it reached the Top 10. Surprisingly, it even topped the charts again when it was re-released in 1986.
In 1959, Smokey Robinson, the leader of Miracles, inspired Gordy to start an R&B record company. To get things going, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family, which would be around $8,031.1 in 2022.
Gordy’s keen eye for talent led him to discover and develop artists such as the Miracles, Gladys Knight, the Marvelettes, the Temptations, and the Supremes.
Throughout his career, Gordy received numerous awards and honors, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Trustee Award, and a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life
Berry Gordy has been married and divorced three times. He has a total of eight children from various relationships. His marriages include Thelma Louise Coleman (1953-1959), Raynoma Mayberry Liles (1960-1964), and Grace Eaton (1990-1993).
Gordy also has children with Jeana Jackson, Margaret Norton, Diana Ross, and Nancy Leiviska.
Social Media Accounts
Berry Gordy is not particularly active on social media platforms. However, fans can stay updated on his life and work by following official Motown Records accounts on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
FAQs about Berry Gordy
What are some of the most famous songs and artists associated with Motown Records?
Motown Record Label produced hits like My Girl by The Temptations, I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye, and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross.
Has Berry Gordy been involved in other business ventures besides Motown Records?
Berry Gordy has been involved in various business ventures, but the data does not provide specific details.
How did Berry Gordy’s work at Motown Records impact the music industry?
Berry Gordy’s innovative approach to artist development and his emphasis on quality and creativity revolutionized the music industry, paving the way for African-American artists to achieve mainstream success.
Conclusion
Berry Gordy’s legacy as Motown Record Label’s founder and immense contributions to the music industry has solidified his position as a true pioneer. While specific personal details remain undisclosed, his impact on popular music continues to be celebrated worldwide. To learn more about Berry Gordy’s remarkable career and accomplishments, visit Hereofamily.
