Berry gordy

Berry Gordy Jr of Motown Records poses in his office looking at a globe in 1966 in Detroit, United States.

Berry Gordy, American businessman who founded (1959) the Motown Record Corporation, which became the most successful Black-owned music company in the United States. Through Motown, he developed the majority of the great R&B performers of the 1960s and ’70s. Learn more about his life and accomplishments.

How did a failed boxer go on to found Motown, one of the most successful record labels of all time? As a new musical based on his life story opens in London, Berry Gordy reminisces about the legends he created, from Diana Ross to Michael Jackson.

Rhonda Ross, Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross, Berry Gordy, Evan Naess and Ross Arne Ness

"Motown was about music for all people – white and black, blue and green, cops and the robbers. I was reluctant to have our music alienate anyone." - Berry Gordy

Inside Motown Records: How Berry Gordy Jr., writers, producers, performers – including Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye – crafted their songs.

Michael Jackson & Berry Gordy

Tracee Ellis Ross, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Berry Gordy and Chudney Ross

How did a failed boxer go on to found Motown, one of the most successful record labels of all time? As a new musical based on his life story opens in London, Berry Gordy reminisces about the legends he created, from Diana Ross to Michael Jackson.

Hot on the heels of a new West End musical, a brilliant new book – featuring rare images of The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and more – joyously evokes the sights and sounds of Motown.