E-mail a friendJuly 27, 2009
In part one of a two-part conversation, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy recounts his boxing days, borrowing from his family to start the label—50 years ago—and building life around Hitsville U.S.A.
Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy
Full interview. (22:30)
Motown Records founder explains the real reason he chose a music career over a career in boxing. (2:54)
Motown founder Berry Gordy helped groom Michael Jackson for stardom. After being convinced to see the young group from Gary, IN, The Jackson 5, Gordy knew they were right for his label. They signed at the end of '68 and, in fall '69, exploded with "I Want You Back," the first of four consecutive No. 1 pop hits. Jackson's first solo single, "Got to Be There," was released in '71, and put him on the path to superstardom. MJ ultimately left the label, but his Emmy-nominated performance of "Billie Jean" on Motown's 25th anniversary special—where he premiered his trademark moonwalk—was one that would send his career into the stratosphere.
