Berry Gordy Birth Date and Verified Biographical Details
Berry Gordy III was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He is best known as the founder of Motown Record Corporation, which shaped the sound of popular music from the 1960s onward. This profile provides a verified timeline of key events, contextual background on his family and early influences, and notable milestones that explain his lasting impact on the music industry. The details below are drawn from authoritative biographical sources and public records.
Key Biographical Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Berry Gordy III | Biographical records |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1929 | Public vital records and biographies |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Published biographies and interviews |
| Major Venture | Founded Motown Record Corporation in 1959 | Business registration and historical accounts |
| Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 1988 (as non-performer) | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame official listing |
Childhood and Family Background
Born to Berry Gordy Jr. and Bertha Fuller Gordy, Berry Gordy grew up in a working-class household in Detroit. His father worked as a carpenter and later as a factory worker, while his mother was a seamstress. The family moved within Detroit as his father pursued different trades. Gordy attended local public schools and was an athlete in high school, playing semi-professional boxing before a shoulder injury shifted his focus. The influence of his family’s discipline and Detroit’s rich musical environment shaped his early aspirations.
Early Career and Military Service
Before entering the music business, Gordy held a variety of jobs, including factory work and professional boxing. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War era, stationed in Germany. After returning to the United States, he opened a jazz record store in Detroit, which ultimately failed. These early ventures taught him resilience and informed his later approach to risk-taking and business-building in the music industry.
Founding Motown and Breakthrough Success
In 1959, with an $800 loan from his family and songwriting royalties, Berry Gordy founded Motown Record Corporation in a small house in Detroit. The label’s early operations focused on R&B, soul, and later, crossover pop hits. Under his leadership, Motown developed a distinctive production style and assembled a roster of influential artists. The label’s success in the 1960s and 1970s transformed the American musical landscape and expanded opportunities for Black musicians on a mainstream scale.
Business Legacy and Cultural Influence
Gordy’s approach to artist development, publishing, and international distribution helped Motown become a global brand. He played a hands-on role in songwriting, production, and artist management, emphasizing professionalism and polish. Beyond music, he contributed to film and television production, further extending Motown’s reach. His legacy includes not only chart success but also a model for Black entrepreneurship in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Later Years
Berry Gordy has been married multiple times and has several children. He has largely withdrawn from public operations in recent decades, with the original Motown catalog and brand transitioning through various ownerships. Nevertheless, his foundational role in creating one of the most influential labels in history remains well documented and widely studied by scholars and industry professionals.
Summary of Key Dates and Milestones
- November 28, 1929: Born in Detroit, Michigan
- 1959: Founded Motown Record Corporation
- 1960s–1970s: Oversaw landmark releases and artist careers
- 1988: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Subsequent decades: Expanded into television and film production
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about Berry Gordy’s life and career timeline.
- Where was Berry Gordy born? He was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
- What is Berry Gordy’s date of birth? He was born on November 28, 1929.
- What is he most recognized for? Gordy is most recognized for founding Motown Record Corporation and shaping the sound of popular music from the 1960s onward.
- Did he serve in the military? Yes, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War era.
- Is he still involved in Motown? He has largely withdrawn from day-to-day operations, and the label has passed through several ownership changes, but his influence remains foundational.