Quick info
| Name | Berry Gordy |
| Net Worth | $400 Million |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1929 (94 years old) |
| Birthplace | Detroit |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Record Producer, Songwriter, Businessperson, Film Producer, Television Producer, Musician, Music Executive |
| Nationality | United States of America |
What is Berry Gordy’s Net Worth?
Berry Gordy, with a net worth of around $400 million, is a legendary figure in the music industry. He is best known as the founder of Motown Records, the label that introduced the world to stars like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye. Gordy’s vision and drive transformed Motown into a cultural phenomenon that broke down racial barriers and shaped the sound of the 1960s. His success in spotting and nurturing talent made him one of the most influential music producers of all time.
Gordy didn’t stop at music. He also expanded into film and television, producing hits like The Wiz and the biopic Lady Sings the Blues. Over the decades, his entrepreneurial spirit kept him at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Today, Berry Gordy is celebrated not just for his impressive fortune but for the incredible impact he’s had on music and pop culture. His legacy lives on in the countless artists and songs that continue to inspire new generations.
Early Life
Berry Gordy was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a large family with seven siblings. His parents encouraged education and hard work, which shaped his early years. Despite his academic challenges, Gordy was always passionate about music and boxing. He even pursued a brief career as a boxer before turning to songwriting.
In the early 1950s, Gordy began writing songs for local Detroit artists. He quickly realized that his real talent was in producing and managing. By 1959, he founded Motown Records with an $800 loan from his family. This decision would change the music world forever, launching the careers of iconic artists and bringing the Motown sound to the forefront of American music.
Career
Berry Gordy’s career skyrocketed with the success of Motown Records. He built a musical empire that produced over 180 No. 1 hit songs. The label became a cultural force, promoting artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Michael Jackson. Gordy was known for his hands-on approach, often involved in every aspect of an artist’s career, from song selection to stage presence.
Gordy expanded his influence beyond music. In the 1970s, he ventured into film, producing movies like Mahogany and The Wiz. His work earned him numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Even today, his impact on the entertainment industry remains undeniable.
Real Estate
Berry Gordy has invested in some stunning real estate over the years. He once owned a mansion in Bel Air, California, which he sold for $2 million in 1979. Another notable property was his Detroit mansion, a grand estate that reflected his success and influence in the music world. Gordy also owned multiple properties in Los Angeles, showcasing his love for luxurious living.
One of his most famous real estate investments was the purchase of the Hitsville U.S.A. building in Detroit. This modest house was the birthplace of Motown Records, and today, it serves as the Motown Museum. Gordy’s investment in this property highlights his dedication to preserving his legacy and the history of Motown.
Cars and Bikes Collection
Berry Gordy has a taste for luxury cars and bikes, reflecting his status and success. Over the years, he has owned several high-end vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz models. His collection includes classic cars like the Cadillac Fleetwood, a symbol of American luxury in the 1960s.
Gordy’s love for bikes is also well-known. He has owned a variety of motorcycles, ranging from Harley-Davidsons to custom choppers. These vehicles represent his adventurous spirit and passion for high-performance machines. Gordy’s car and bike collection is not just about luxury; it’s also a reflection of his unique personality and style.
Berry Gordy’s Biography
| Full Name | Berry Gordy Jr. |
| Nickname | “Mr. Gordy” |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1929 |
| Age | 94 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Occupation | Record Executive, Producer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1957–present |
| Known For | Founder of Motown Records |
| Notable Works | “Shop Around” by The Miracles, “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes, “My Girl” by The Temptations, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, “ABC” by The Jackson 5 |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Sagittarius |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Food Habit | Unknown |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Education Qualification | High School Graduate |
| School | Northeastern High School, Detroit |
| College | Dropped out of Wayne State University |
| Debut | Founded Tamla Records in 1959, later renamed Motown Records |
| Father | Berry Gordy Sr. |
| Mother | Bertha Fuller Gordy |
| Hobbies | Songwriting, Boxing, Business Ventures |
| Awards | Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, National Medal of Arts, Grammy Trustee Award, Kennedy Center Honors |
| Social Media | None (Berry Gordy is not active on social media) |
| Cars Collection | Information not publicly available |
| Fan Mail Address | Motown Museum, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, USA |
| Favourite Things | Favorite artists include Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; enjoys jazz and classical music |
Berry Gordy’s Wives
| Wife’s Name | Marriage Period | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thelma Coleman | 1953 – 1959 | Berry Gordy’s first wife. They had three children: Hazel Joy, Berry IV, and Terry James. |
| Raynoma Singleton | 1960 – 1964 | Berry Gordy’s second wife. They had one child together, Kerry Gordy. Raynoma was also deeply involved in Motown’s early operations. |
| Grace Eaton | 1990 – 1993 | Berry Gordy’s third wife. The marriage lasted three years and they did not have any children together. |
Berry Gordy’s Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 172 pounds (78 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (now grey) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Skin Tone | Medium |
| Build | Average |
Berry Gordy’s Family
| Family Member | Relation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thelma Coleman | Ex-Wife | Berry Gordy’s first wife; married from 1953 to 1959. They had three children: Hazel Joy, Berry Gordy IV, and Terry James. |
| Raynoma Singleton | Ex-Wife | Berry Gordy’s second wife; married from 1960 to 1964. They had one child together, Kerry Gordy. |
| Grace Eaton | Ex-Wife | Berry Gordy’s third wife; married from 1990 to 1993. They did not have any children together. |
| Hazel Joy Gordy | Daughter | Born in 1954; daughter with Thelma Coleman. Married to and later divorced from Jeffry L. Townsend. |
| Berry Gordy IV | Son | Born in 1955; son with Thelma Coleman. Known for his work in the music industry and as a businessman. |
| Terry James Gordy | Son | Born in 1956; son with Thelma Coleman. He is a businessman and music producer. |
| Kerry Gordy | Son | Born in 1964; son with Raynoma Singleton. He is a music producer and entrepreneur. |
| Faye Gordy | Sister | Berry Gordy’s sister; she has been supportive of his career and also involved in the music industry. |
| Gordy Family | General | Berry Gordy comes from a family with a background in business and the arts, which supported his career in music and entertainment. |
Berry Gordy’s Children
| Name | Date of Birth | Parent(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Joy Gordy | 1954 | Berry Gordy & Thelma Coleman | Hazel is Berry Gordy’s eldest child. She was married to Jeffry L. Townsend and has three children. |
| Berry Gordy IV | 1955 | Berry Gordy & Thelma Coleman | Berry Gordy IV is a businessman and music producer. He has been involved in various music ventures. |
| Terry James Gordy | 1956 | Berry Gordy & Thelma Coleman | Terry is a businessman and music producer. He has worked in the music industry and is also a philanthropist. |
| Kerry Gordy | 1964 | Berry Gordy & Raynoma Singleton | Kerry is a music producer and entrepreneur, involved in multiple business ventures and music projects. |
Interesting Facts About Berry Gordy
1. Founder of Motown Records
Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Record Corporation in 1959 in Detroit. He started with a $800 loan from his family and built it into one of the most successful record labels of all time, launching the careers of legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye.
2. The “Motown Sound”
Gordy is credited with creating the “Motown Sound,” a unique blend of pop and soul music that helped bring African American artists to mainstream audiences. This sound was characterized by its catchy melodies, strong rhythms, and smooth production.
3. A Successful Songwriter
Before becoming a record executive, Gordy was a songwriter. He wrote hits for artists like Jackie Wilson and The Miracles. His songwriting career helped him understand the music industry from both sides of the business.
4. Gordy’s 1965 “Hate to See You Go”
Berry Gordy was deeply involved in all aspects of Motown. He even recorded a hit song for himself in 1965 titled “Hate to See You Go.” While he was more focused on managing Motown, this track showed he had musical talent of his own.
5. The Motown “Assembly Line”
Gordy developed a successful production method called the “Motown Assembly Line.” This approach involved teams of songwriters, producers, and session musicians working together to create hit records efficiently and effectively.
6. Gordy’s Impact on Civil Rights
Berry Gordy used Motown’s success to support civil rights causes. He was a key supporter of the civil rights movement and often used his platform to advocate for equality and justice.
7. Hollywood Success
In addition to his success in the music industry, Gordy found success in Hollywood. He produced the film Lady Sings the Blues (1972), which was a biopic of singer Billie Holiday and earned three Academy Award nominations.
8. Motown Goes to Hollywood
Berry Gordy moved Motown’s headquarters from Detroit to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. This move was part of his strategy to expand Motown’s influence into the film and television industries.
9. Gordy’s Autobiography
Berry Gordy wrote his autobiography, To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown, published in 1994. In it, he shares stories about the founding of Motown and the artists who helped shape its success.
10. A Broadway Musical
In 2016, a Broadway musical titled Motown: The Musical was produced, showcasing the history of Motown Records and its impact on music and culture. Gordy was involved in the production, and the musical was a commercial success.
11. Berry Gordy’s Family Connections
Berry Gordy’s family also has ties to the entertainment industry. His daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, is a singer and actress, and his son, Berry Gordy IV, is a film producer.
12. A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1985, Berry Gordy was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the music industry and his impact on pop culture.
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