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Berry Gordy

BLEU HONORS:
BERRY GORDY
by Marcus Harmon
marcus@bleulife.com

Gordy may not be known to the youth of today, but to those who pride themselves off the love of music Gordy is an icon and sole creator of some of the most beloved music acts of all time. Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and the list goes on. Berry discovered those talents and without his genius we may have never come to know and love them. Considering that he is the Godfather of black music it amazes me that he seems to be neglected in praise and industry accolades.

In 1957 Gordy discovered his first act, Smoky Robinson and the Miracles. When he realized the success he had with his group he created his own record label to distribute their music nation wide, the name of his label would be Tamla and on December 14th 1959 Gordy created Motown Records. Motown would eventually become the most prolific record company of all time. Obtaining close to 70 number one billboards hits Motown would literally change the world.

Berry unexpectedly found himself as a cultural leader. He had done what many black producers could not do; he conquered white America with his black music. He used his stature to change the image of black America and brought the divided and wounded nation together through the music of Motown. Gordy wisely promoted African American artists,but carefully controlled their public image, dress, manners and choreography for crossover appeal.

In 1968 Berry moved Motown from Detroit to LA and branched off into other forms of media. His first project was the cult classic Lady Sings the Blues which starred the queen diva Diana Ross.He also produced the films Mahogany,The Wiz, and The Last Dragon.

Gordy would eventually sell Motwon to MCA in 1988, Motwon is still a thriving record label with artist such as India arie and Erykah Badu. Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in1990 and has since then retired from producing.He was recently seen at the 2007 BET awards delivering an award to his protégé Diana Ross.

Gordy will be remembered as the most influential music producer and executive in recording music history. Who knew that a little black boy from the projects of Detroit would supply the world with an eternity of beautiful music. He once said, “Motown is the voice of this generation,” speaking of the sixties, but I believe that the music of Motown will speak for every generation until the end of time.