Let me tell you, family is everything to Berry Gordy, the legendary founder of Motown. For over six decades, this man has been the guiding force behind some of the biggest names in music history. But it wasn’t just about building an empire; he managed to juggle his responsibilities as a dad to eight incredible kids and nurture a bunch of talented grandchildren. Over the years, Berry’s family has made rare appearances, showing the world just how close-knit they are.
Berry's Early Days as a Dad
Back in 1954, Berry stepped into fatherhood for the very first time when he and his then-wife, Thelma Coleman, welcomed their beautiful daughter, Hazel Joy Gordy. Their love story didn’t stop there, though. The couple went on to have two more children, Berry Gordy IV and Terry James Gordy, during their marriage. However, as life would have it, the couple parted ways in 1959, right as Berry's career was about to explode, thanks to his close friendship with the legendary Smokey Robinson.
Building Motown: The Dream Becomes Reality
Now, when Berry talks about Motown, he doesn’t just see it as a business—it was a magical place where dreams came true. In a 2017 interview with Billboard, he shared, "Motown was like a fairy tale that happened to come true. It gave people the freedom to experiment creatively and the courage to not be afraid of making mistakes. We cherished the process, the togetherness, the camaraderie, and the friendly competition. It kept everyone motivated, and above all, there was love and respect for each other—and don’t forget the fun. At Motown, we always had fun!"
Read also:How Many Super Bowls Does Jared Goff Have Unveiling The Stats Journey And Legacy
More Chapters in Berry's Family Saga
Berry’s journey as a father continued during his second marriage to singer Raynoma Singleton. From 1960 to 1964, they welcomed a son, Kerry Gordy. But Berry wasn’t done yet. He also became a dad to Kennedy William Gordy in 1964 with Margaret Norton and to Sherry Gordy with Jeana Jackson in the early ‘60s. His family kept growing, and his influence kept expanding.
A Special Bond with Diana Ross
The friendship between Berry and Motown star Diana Ross blossomed into something more, leading to the birth of their daughter, Rhonda Ross, in 1971. And in another chapter of his life, Berry and producer Nancy Leiviska welcomed their son, Stefan Kendal “Redfoo” Gordy, bringing the total count of his children to eight.
Following in Dad's Footsteps
Rhonda and Redfoo didn’t just grow up in the shadow of their legendary father; they carved out their own paths in the music world. Redfoo, known for the massive hit "Party Rock Anthem," reminisced about growing up surrounded by music icons during a Rolling Stone interview in June 2015. He said, "I went to one of my dad’s parties once, and all these incredible people were there at the afterparty. The person I remember most was Michael Jackson. I was so exhausted, and he tucked me into bed! Everyone was celebrating, but I just drifted off to sleep. Michael and my mom were right there, chatting away."
Keep scrolling to see some heartwarming photos of Berry and his kids through the years.
