Barry Gordy:
Motown Records Founder, Barry Gordy,
Was Born November 28, 1929, In Detroit, Michigan.
After Dropping Out Of High School In The
Eleventh Grade, Gordy Became A Professional
Boxer. He Was Later Drafted Into The Army And After Returning From Korea, Developed An Interest In Music. He Wrote Several Songs For Jackie Wilson, Including "Reet Petite" And "Lonely Teardrops."
Gordy Founded Founded Hitsville USA In
Detroit, In 1959, With An $800.00 Loan From
His Family. The Company Name Was Later
Changed To Motown And Incorporated In 1960.
Motown Launched The Careers Of Some Of
Music's Biggest Superstars, Including: Smokey
Robinson And The Miracles, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder And The Four Tops.
In 1988, Gordy Sold His Interests In Motown To MCA For $61 Million.
He Was Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame In 1990.
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.