Gordy, Berry, Jr.

Gordy, Berry, Jr. (1929–  ) record producer; born in Detroit, Mich. He began writing songs as a teenager and earned a living as a professional boxer and auto worker. In the 1950s he went to New York and sold some songs that became rhythm-and-blues hits for Jackie Wilson. Forming Motown Records in 1959, he created the "Motown sound" with such artists as Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and the Jackson Five; his success helped to make African-American music part of the popular music industry. In 1970 he began producing films such as Lady Sings the Blues (1972). He sold Motown Records in 1988.