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Inducted
into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Michigan Connection
Berry Gordy, Jr. was born in Detroit on November 28, 1929.
Notable
Before his days with Motown, Gordy served in the army, was a boxer and
worked as a record store manager. In 1957, Brunswick Records bought a song
he had written named "Reet Petite," which was recorded by Jackie
Wilson. In 1959, Berry Gordy moved all of Motown's operations into a
two-story house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, which he christened "Hitsville,
U.S.A." Gordy directed movies — Mahogany (1975) starring Diana Ross
and produced the films — Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Bingo Long Traveling
All Stars & Motor Kings (1975) and The Last Dragon (1988). Motown also
produced the movie musical The Wiz (1978). He oversaw the Motown operation
from 1959 to 1988. In 1966, 75 percent of records released by Motown made
the national charts. In mid-1950s Gordy began writing songs for local
R&B acts and acquired a local reputation as a songwriter and producer.
Big Hits
The first hit of any size for the company belonged to the Miracles.
"Way Over There" was released in 1960 and sold a respectable
60,000 copies. Its follow-up, "Shop Around," reached #2 on the
pop charts and launched Motown into the National Market.
Find out more about
Berry Gordy and other musical Michiganians in
Makin'
Music: Michigan's
Rock & Roll Legacy. |
