Berry Gordy, Jr. (1929-...), a successful American record producer and motion-picture executive, founded Motown Records in Detroit. The company recorded many top African American artists, especially those performing soul or rhythm and blues. The popularity of the smooth and catchy "Motown sound" brought black music into the mainstream of American popular music.

Gordy was born in Detroit. He worked in a Ford automobile plant and wrote songs before establishing Motown Records in 1959 with $800 he borrowed. Gordy first recorded 10-year-old Stevie Wonder in 1960, who became one of the label's best selling artists. Other Motown stars included Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Supremes, Mary Wells, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, and the Temptations.

Gordy relocated Motown operations to Los Angeles in 1970. He became active in the motion-picture industry while still producing recordings. Gordy directed the movie Mahogany (1975), starring Diana Ross, and produced the films Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings (1975), and The Last Dragon (1988). Motown also produced the movie musical The Wiz (1978). Gordy sold Motown Records in 1988.

A lot of people are going to recognize him for the usual shit. But I bow down for this reason:

Without Berry, there'd be no "Anna's Song."

Good choice!

Hooray for the creator of The Wiz and The Last Dragon--- 2 of my alltime faves....

cinnamonjo said:

I must have seen The Wiz and listened to its soundtrack over a hundred times. I love it.

That man is responsible for some of the best music of my life.

dreamfactory313 said:

One of the things Detroit still gets props for.

Definitely one of my all time favorties!

Smooches;)

Used to live around the corner from Hitsville

Smooches;)

MsMisha319 said:

I live about 5 minutes from there

Boy, was he a hottie

You want to be like Soul Brotha #1?

Smooches;)