Berry Gordy Jr.

Berry Gordy III, known professionally as Berry Gordy Jr., is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer, and television producer. He founded the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, known as the highest-earning African-American business for decades. As a songwriter, Gordy composed hits like 'Lonely Teardrops' and co-wrote for artists such as the Jackson 5. He discovered and launched careers of major artists including the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Gordy's influence on the music industry has been recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors.