Berry Gordy, Jr. Biography
Berry Gordy, Jr., American businessman, founder of the Motown Record Corporation, which became the most successful black-owned music company in the United States. Through Motown, he developed the majority of the great rhythm-and-blues (R&B) performers of the 1960s and ’70s, including Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. Gordy was said to have masterminded the popular “Motown sound,” a ballad-based blend of traditional black harmony and gospel music with the lively beat of R&B.
Gordy dropped out of Northeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan, and pursued a featherweight boxing career before joining the U.S. Army. Shortly thereafter he returned to Detroit to open a record store and begin producing recordings of his own compositions.
By the time Gordy founded Motown, he was at the apex of Detroit’s black music scene and had already discovered Smokey Robinson. During the early 1960s Motown produced a string of hits that included Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” and the Temptations’ “My Girl.” Also about this time Gordy developed the Supremes, Motown’s first superstar act. Powered by Diana Ross’s sweet voice and quiet grace, the group went on to become one of the most successful female singing trios of all time.
In the early 1970s Gordy relocated the company to Hollywood and began producing films, including Lady Sings the Blues, featuring Ross in her film debut as Billie Holiday. By the mid-1980s the company boasted annual revenues in excess of $100 million, and Motown acts had recorded more than 50 number one hits on the Billboard pop singles chart. Facing increasing competition from large media conglomerates, however, Gordy sold the record company in 1988. He later wrote the book for Motown: The Musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2013.
Gordy was honoured for lifetime achievement at the American Music Awards in 1975, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and received the President’s Merit Award from the Recording Academy in 2008. An autobiography, To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown, was published in 1994.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Berry Gordy, Jr. and other top speakers and celebrities.
How do I book Berry Gordy, Jr. to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Berry Gordy, Jr. for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Berry Gordy, Jr., or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Berry Gordy, Jr. or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Berry Gordy, Jr. for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Berry Gordy, Jr., or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Berry Gordy, Jr., click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Berry Gordy, Jr. speak about?
Berry Gordy, Jr. is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Music, Executive Leadership, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business, Business Growth, Ethics & Integrity, Civil Rights, Social Activism and Business Consulting.
Where does Berry Gordy, Jr. travel from?
Berry Gordy, Jr. generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Berry Gordy, Jr.?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Berry Gordy, Jr. for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Berry Gordy, Jr. for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Berry Gordy, Jr. or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Berry Gordy, Jr. is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Music, Executive Leadership and Black Heritage. The estimated speaking fee range to book Berry Gordy, Jr. for live events is $50,000 - $100,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Berry Gordy, Jr. generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Audra Wilson, Pharrell Williams and Carlos Watson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Berry Gordy, Jr. for an upcoming event.
VIDEO
Berry Gordy, Jr. Videos
NEWS
Berry Gordy, Jr. News
-
Motown's Berry Gordy to receive Kennedy Center Honor in December
3 hours ago ... Speaking with the Free Press, Gordy was quick to pay tribute to that Motown family, including the folks whose names didn't hit the marquees. “By honoring me, I ...
FAQS
-
How do I book Berry Gordy, Jr. to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Berry Gordy, Jr. for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Berry Gordy, Jr., or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Berry Gordy, Jr. or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Berry Gordy, Jr. for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Berry Gordy, Jr., or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Berry Gordy, Jr., click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Berry Gordy, Jr. speak about?
Berry Gordy, Jr. is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Music, Executive Leadership, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business, Business Growth, Ethics & Integrity, Civil Rights, Social Activism and Business Consulting. -
Where does Berry Gordy, Jr. travel from?
Berry Gordy, Jr. generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Berry Gordy, Jr.?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Berry Gordy, Jr. for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Berry Gordy, Jr. for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Berry Gordy, Jr. or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK BERRY GORDY, JR.
We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.
Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Berry Gordy, Jr. or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
