Berry Gordy

Berry Gordy III, known professionally as Berry Gordy Jr., is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer, and television producer. Born on November 28, 1929, Gordy is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which became the highest-earning African-American business for decades. Throughout his career, Gordy composed or co-composed numerous hits including 'Lonely Teardrops' and 'That's Why' for Jackie Wilson, 'Shop Around' for The Miracles, and 'Do You Love Me' for The Contours. As a record producer, Gordy launched the careers of The Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder. He was also involved in writing hit songs for the Jackson 5 as part of the Corporation.