Biography
Berry Gordy is an American retired record executive and record producer. He is also a film and television producer. Likewise, he is a songwriter known for songs such as Lonely Teardrops, Don’t Be Afraid of Love, and I Want You Back.
How old is He? – Age
Gordy is 94 years old as of 2024. He was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, where he also grew up.
How tall is He? – Height
He stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall.
Mother, Father, and Siblings – Family
Berry was born to parents; Berry Gordy II and Bertha Fuller Gordy in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He grew up along with his seven siblings; Fuller, Esther, Anna, Loucye, George, Gwen, and Robert Gordy. It is also known that his greatgrandfather James Gordy 1 was a white plantation owner while his half-brother was the grandfather of President Jimmy Carter.
Education
Gordy enrolled at Northeastern High School but dropped out to become a professional boxer in the eleventh grade. Afterward, he obtained General Educational Development certification.
Is He Married? – Wife
Berry has been married thrice in his lifetime. He was first married to Thelma Coleman in 1953 but divorced in 1959. Afterward, he tied the knot to late songwriter and vocalist Ray Singleton in 1960. Unfortunately, they also divorced and parted ways in 1964. Lastly, his third marriage was to Grace Eaton from 1990 to 1993.
Children
Gordy is a proud father to eight children from his three marriages. They are; Redfoo, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Hazel Gordy, Berry Gordy IV, Rockwell, Kerry Gordy, Terry James Gordy, and Sherry Gordy. Furthermore, he has been blessed with six grandchildren; Sky Blu, Mahogany Lox, Autumn Jackson, Jaimy Jackson, Juliet James Gordy, and Jermaine Jackson, Jr.
Career In The Film And Music
Berry is a vastly recognized film and television producer known for his work in films such as Lady Sings the Blues. Likewise, he was hired to serve both as a producer and director of Mahogany drama film. He was also featured in The Last Dragon as a producer and music supervisor.
Most noteworthy, he is a screenwriter known for the I’ll Be There line of Rock ‘N Roll! The First 5,000 Years. He also wrote the Money (That’s What I Want) line of Lennon musical. In addition, he was a cast in Motown: The Musical where he served as the producer, writer, composer, and lyricist.
It is also known that he was the producer of The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. Furthermore, he inducted into the 1998 Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame. He was also in the 2009 Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
On the other hand, he is a bussinessman known for being the founder of the Motown record label. He was also a racer under the nom de course Vistas Stables known for owning the colt Powis Castle. He has an autobiography titled To Be Loved which he published in 1994.
Net Worth
Gordy has an estimated net worth of $400 Million.
Songs
- Got a Job
- That’s Why
- You Got What It Takes
- Hey Joe
- Can I Close the Door
- Money
- Once Upon a Time
- Shop Around
- My Girl
- Make Everything All Right
- War / What’s Going On
- Come To Me
- That’s Why I Love You so Much
- Motor City
- Blibberin’ Blabbin’ Blues
- Paradise
- Marry Me