Who Is Berry Gordy? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on November 28, 1929, Berry Gordy is an iconic American music executive and record producer, celebrated for founding the legendary Motown Record Corporation. At the age of 95 in 2025, Gordy's influence on the music industry remains profound, with countless artists inspired by his vision. His story began in Detroit, Michigan, where he honed his skills in songwriting and production, ultimately shaping the sound of popular music in the 20th century.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1929 |
| Age | 95 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Berry Gordy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Height: Berry Gordy stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
Weight: Throughout his career, Gordy's weight has fluctuated, but in 2025, he is estimated to weigh around 160 pounds (72 kg).
Body Measurements: Specific body measurements are not publicly available, but Gordy maintains a healthy and fit appearance, typical for his active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Berry Gordy's relationship status has shifted over the years. He has been married three times, with notable relationships including his first wife, Thelma Coleman, and later, actress and singer Raynoma Gordy (whom he was famously involved with). While details about his current dating life remain private, Gordy is known to keep a close-knit circle of family and friends. He has several children, including music producer Rockwell and dancer Berry Gordy IV, emphasizing the musical legacy he continues to build.
His grandfather, named Berry Gordy I, was the son of James Gordy, a white plantation owner in Georgia, and one of his slaves. Berry I's half-brother, James (son of the elder James and his legal wife), was the grandfather of President Jimmy Carter.
Berry Gordy II was led to Detroit both by the job opportunities offered by the booming automotive businesses, and also by worries over the atmosphere in the American South, where black men were lynched "with chilling regularity by the Ku Klux Klan"; in the first twenty years of the twentieth century, 1,502 lynchings were reported, most in Southern
states.
Gordy's father opened a grocery store, owned a plastering and carpentry business, and a printing shop.
While his brothers Fuller and George were happy to work at jobs their father assigned to them in construction and printing, Gordy and his brother Robert were less inclined to follow that path; both liked dancing and music, but Gordy's greatest interest was in boxing.
Net Worth and Salary
Berry Gordy’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $400 million. This wealth comes from his successful ventures in the music industry, including the creation of Motown Records, which produced numerous chart-topping hits. In addition to music production, Gordy has made strategic investments in various businesses and entertainment sectors, further solidifying his financial status.
On March 20, 2009, Gordy was in Hollywood to pay tribute to his first group and first million-selling act, the Miracles, when the members received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Speaking in tribute to the group, Gordy said: "Without the Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today."
Career, Business, and Investments
Berry Gordy’s career in the music industry began in the late 1950s with the establishment of Motown Records in 1959. Under his leadership, Motown became home to an array of renowned artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye, dominating the charts and introducing the world to the Motown sound. In addition to his music career, Gordy has engaged in various business ventures, including film production and television, showcasing his versatility and business acumen.
Gordy continues to be active in the industry, working on projects that celebrate Motown’s rich history, including musical revivals and documentaries that highlight the label’s impact on culture and society.
Berry Gordy III (born November 28, 1929), also known as Berry Gordy Jr., is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades.
Social Network
Berry Gordy maintains a presence on social media platforms where he occasionally shares insights into his life and career. He connects with fans and followers, offering glimpses of the legacy he has built. While specific handles may not be available publicly, Gordy remains a beloved figure within the music community, often featured in tribute events and documentaries.
As a songwriter, Gordy composed or co-composed a number of hits including "Lonely Teardrops" and "That's Why" (Jackie Wilson), "Shop Around" (the Miracles), and "Do You Love Me" (the Contours), all of which topped the US R&B charts, as well as the international hit "Reet Petite" (Jackie Wilson).
As part of the Corporation, he wrote many hit songs for the Jackson 5, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC". As a record producer, he launched the Miracles and signed acts like the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.
He was known for carefully directing the public image, dress, manners, and choreography of his acts.
Education
Berry Gordy attended Northeastern High School in Detroit and later pursued various interests, including songwriting and production. His informal education in music and the arts came from hands-on experience and exposure to the vibrant Detroit music scene, rather than formal education in a traditional sense. This self-taught expertise played a crucial role in his innovative approach to music that led to the birth of Motown.
In summary, Berry Gordy in 2025 remains a towering figure in the music industry, with a remarkable biography, strong familial ties, a vast net worth, and a career that is nothing short of legendary. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and musicians around the globe.
Gordy dropped out of Northeastern High School in the eleventh grade to become a professional boxer in hopes of becoming rich quickly; he boxed professionally until 1950, when he was drafted by the United States Army in 1951 for service in the Korean War.
Arriving in Korea in May 1952, Gordy was first assigned to the 58th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, near Panmunjom. He later became a chaplain's assistant, driving a jeep and playing the organ at religious services at the front. His tour in the Korean War was completed in April 1953.
He obtained a GED, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.
