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{{Citation style|date=September 2009}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|image_size =
| image_size =
|name = Kerry Ashby Gordy
| name = Kerry Ashby Gordy
|image =
| image =
|caption =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|06|25}}
|background = non_performing_personnel
| birth_place = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]], U.S.
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|06|25}}
|birth_place = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]], U.S.
| origin = Detroit, Michigan
| instrument = {{hlist|Piano|[[keyboard instrument|keyboard]]}}
|origin = Detroit, Michigan
|instrument = {{hlist|Piano|[[keyboard instrument|keyboard]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[R&B]]|[[Soul music|soul]]|[[Pop music|pop]]}}
| occupation = [[Record executive]], Intellectual property manager, personal manager, [[songwriter]], [[record producer]]
|genre = {{hlist|[[R&B]]|[[Soul music|soul]]|[[Pop music|pop]]}}
| years_active = 1973-present
|occupation = [[Record executive]], Intellectual property manager, personal manager, [[songwriter]], [[record producer]]
| label = {{hlist|Nu Vintage, LLC|Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC}}
|years_active = 1973-present
| image_upright =
|label = {{hlist|Nu Vintage, LLC|Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC}}
}}
}}


'''Kerry Ashby Gordy''' (born June 25, 1959) is a music industry executive and a member of the Gordy family of [[Motown]] fame. He is the son of [[Motown]] records founder [[Berry Gordy]], the half-brother of singer and rapper [[Redfoo]] and [[Rhonda Ross Kendrick|Rhonda Ross]], daughter of Motown legend [[Diana Ross]].
'''Kerry Ashby Gordy''' (born June 25, 1959) is a career music executive, and fourth eldest child of the founder of [[Motown|Motown Records]], [[Berry Gordy]]. Kerry is the chief executive officer of Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc. LLC, KGIP Inc., and NuVintage, LLC., intellectual property and branding companies focused on entertainment.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Gordy was born in [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]] to multi-instrumentalist, Motown songwriter and arranger, [[Ray Singleton|Raynoma Mayberry]] and [[Berry Gordy]]. He was born the same year that his father founded Motown Records on West Grand Boulevard which housed the [[Hitsville U.S.A.|Hitsville U.S.A/Motown recording studios]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard - Dedication to Motown's Legend Producer|url=https://www.motownmuseum.org/about-the-museum/event-archive/boulevard-dedication/|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Motown Museum|language=en}}</ref>{{relevance inline|date=July 2021}}
Gordy was born in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]] the same year that his father, [[Berry Gordy|Berry Gordy, Jr.]], founded [[Motown]] Records. Gordy was brought home from the hospital to live in the historic home that housed the Hitsville Motown Recording Studios on West Grand Blvd. which was renamed Berry Gordy Jr. Blvd. Gordy’s mother, Raynoma, was a child prodigy in music and played eleven instruments and introduced him to music. Gordy followed in his mother’s footsteps and plays several instruments as well.


Gordy's mother, was a child prodigy in music and played eleven instruments. She orchestrated the early arrangements for Motown. Gordy lived with his mother until the age of 13, at which point he began to live full-time with his father.
Gordy lived with his mother until the age of 13 and then moved to [[Los Angeles]] with his father Berry. He attended [[Beverly Hills High School]] with [[Benny Medina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themarshallproject.org/2016/05/30/the-real-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-had-a-father-in-prison|title=The Real Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Had a Father in Prison|date=2016-05-31|website=The Marshall Project|access-date=2017-03-09}}</ref> Years later Medina created the TV show [[Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]; a semi-autobiographical TV sit com loosely based on Gordy inviting Medina to move into the Gordy Estate in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air]] when they were teenagers. Later the two wrote and produced records together for [[Motown]] and founded a teen idol band called [[Apollo (quintet)|Apollo]] for the Motown Records label. [[Teena Marie]] was originally in the group as the female lead, but dropped out before the band released their first single for Motown entitled ''Astro Disco''.


In 1972, Gordy moved to [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]] with his father and became one of his protégés, along with best friend and business partner, [[Benny Medina]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
==Professional career==


Gordy and Medina met during their time at [[Beverly Hills High School]], during which time, Medina came to live at the Gordy Estate. Together, they wrote arranged and produced records for Motown and also founded the teen band, [[Apollo (band)|Apollo]]. [[Teena Marie]] was an original member of the band as the groups female lead. Teena later dropped out of the band before the release of their first single, "Astro Disco" in 1979.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apollo (2) - Astro Disco|url=https://www.discogs.com/Apollo-Astro-Disco/release/1791320|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Discogs|language=en}}</ref>
Gordy's career began in 1973 working in the [[Motown Records]] mailroom. The early years of his career were spent in various administrative and creative capacities. Then in 1979, he released an album on Motown as a member of the group, [[Apollo (quintet)|Apollo]]. By the 1980s, he was known professionally as '''Kerry Ashby''' to separate himself at [[Motown Records|Motown]] from his father. He also worked as a writer and producer for various up and coming artists.


In the early 80s Gordy acted in various commercials, T.V. shows and movies under the name Kerry Ashby, and in 1990, participated as a judge in the [[Miss USA|Miss USA Pageant]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Later Gordy was promoted to the position of Director of [[A&R]], where he worked on projects with artists such as [[The Temptations]], [[The Four Tops]], [[Rick James]] and [[Billy Preston]] among others. He also worked on compilation albums for [[Diana Ross]] and [[Michael Jackson]]. He became a Senior Executive for the Gordy Company (his father’s company after selling Motown) in 1988 where he was responsible for supervising Business Affairs, A&R, Product Development, Administration and Personnel. Between 1991 and 1993 Gordy also consulted for [[Al Bell]]’s independently distributed label, [[Bellmark Records]].

==Early professional career==
In 1993, Gordy became the Vice President of two divisions for [[Paisley Park Records]], A&R and Artist Development, (a joint venture between [[Time-Warner]] and the superstar "[[Prince (musician)|Prince]]"). He produced and co-wrote [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]]’s comeback hit "Paint the White House Black" utilizing icons of the rap and rock community such as Platinum artists [[Ice Cube]], [[Dr. Dre]] and the [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]]. The following year, he orchestrated a joint venture between [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]’s N.P.G. label and [[Bellmark Records]]. This union again yielded a world wide # 1 smash single, "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World."
Gordy's career began in 1973 working in the Motown Records mailroom. The early years of his career were spent in various administrative and creative capacities. In order for Gordy to separate himself at Motown from his father Berry, he dropped his surname and began using the name Kerry Ashby professionally.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

Gordy served as Vice President of A&R for [[Warner Bros. Records]] Black Music Division, where in 1995 the [[R.I.A.A.]] (Recording Industry Association of America) awarded him with Gold records on [[Zapp and Roger]]'s "All the Greatest Hits" and [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]'s "Come" Album. His production of "I’m Looking Out For You," was the theme song for "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol." It was broadcast six nights a week in over 190 markets, including [[CBS]] in [[Los Angeles]] and also aired on the REAL TV Network.
In 1984, as an A&R representative for Motown, Gordy was instrumental in signing [[Rockwell (musician)|Rockwell's]] "[[Somebody's Watching Me]]", which became a hit for Motown and Gordy's first hit. He was then promoted to the position of Director of A&R, where he worked on projects with Gold and Platinum artists such as [[The Temptations]], the [[Four Tops]], [[Rick James]] and [[Billy Preston]]. He also worked on compilation albums for [[Diana Ross]] and [[Michael Jackson]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerry Ashby|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/412590-Kerry-Ashby|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Discogs|language=en}}</ref> He became a senior executive for The Gordy Company (his father's company after selling Motown in 1988<ref>{{Cite web|title=Motown Records Company L.P. {{!}} Encyclopedia.com|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/motown-records-company-lp|access-date=2021-01-22|website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref>) where he was responsible for supervising business affairs, A&R, product development, administration and personnel.
Between 1991 and 1993 Gordy consulted Al Bell's independently distributed label, [[Bellmark Records]]. This union culminated with $26 million in sales and yielded the year's biggest international hit, "[[Whoomp! (There It Is)]]" by the group [[Tag Team (group)|Tag Team]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=whoomp+there+it+is+billboard&pg=RA1-PA71|title=Billboard|date=1993-07-10|publisher=|language=en}}</ref>
He managed [[Rick James]] from 1996 until Rick died in 2004. Prior to that, in 1994, Gordy Kerry negotiated and obtained a three-act production deal with [[Interscope Records]] joint venture partner B-Rite Records. The first release from that venture (Gospel Gangstaz) enjoyed success.

In 1993, Gordy became the vice president of two divisions for [[Paisley Park Records]], A&R and artist development, (a joint venture between Time-Warner and Prince).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6BEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Kerry+Gordy+%22+John+dukakis%22&pg=PA10|title=Billboard|date=1993-08-14|publisher=|language=en}}</ref> That same year, Gordy produced and co-wrote [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton's]] comeback hit "[[Paint the white house black|Paint the White House Black]]" collaborating with artists [[Ice Cube]], [[Dr. Dre]], [[Public Enemy]], and the [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]]. The following year, he orchestrated a joint venture between [[Prince (musician)|Prince's]] [[N.P.G.]] label and [[Bellmark Records]]. This union yielded the hit "[[The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)|The Most Beautiful Girl In The World]]".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UAgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22prince%22+%22most+beautiful+girl+in+the+world%22+%22&pg=PA96|title=Billboard|date=1994-06-11|publisher=|language=en}}</ref>


Gordy served as vice president of A&R for [[Warner Bros. records|Warner Bros. Records]] Black Music Division,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UQgEAAAAMBAJ&q=kerry+gordy&pg=PA26|title=Billboard|date=1994-06-18|publisher=|language=en}}</ref> where in 1995 the [[Recording Industry Association of America|R.I.A.A.]] (Recording Industry Association of America) awarded him with gold records on [[Zapp and Roger|Zapp and Roger's]] ''[[All the Greatest Hits (Zapp & Roger album)|All the Greatest Hits]]'' and Prince's ''[[Come (album)|Come]]'' Album. His production of Belize's "I’m Looking Out For You" was the theme song for ''[[Real Stories of the Highway Patrol]]''. Gordy also managed [[Rick James]], who sold in excess of $25 million records and grossed over $40 million in concert revenue, from 1996 until his death in 2004.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b7YDAAAAMBAJ&q=rick+james+death&pg=PA62|magazine=Jet|title=Funk Legend Rick James Dies at 56|date=2004-08-23|language=en}}</ref>
===Other ventures===
In 1998 Gordy partnered with Gordon Bizar under the name Gordy-Bizar to securitize artists' and publishers' royalties. Financing deals were signed with [[Alice Walton|Alice Walton's]] investment banking firm [[Llama Company]] as well as [[Lehman Brothers]].


== Entertainment consulting, IP and other ventures ==
In 2003 Gordy signed a deal with [[Clear Channel Entertainment]] to produce his company’s first theatrical. He also signed a worldwide deal with the [[William Morris Agency]] to be represented in that arena.
In 1997, Gordy negotiated and obtained a three-act production deal with [[Interscope Records]] joint venture partner B-Rite Records. The first release from that venture ([[Gospel Gangstaz]]) enjoyed success,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9AwEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22gospel+gangstaz%22+ashby&pg=PA42|title=Billboard|date=1999-06-19|publisher=|language=en}}</ref> reaching number three on Billboards Gospel album chart and was also nominated for a Grammy Award.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=gospel+gangstaz+grammy&pg=PA8-IA6|title=Billboard|date=2000-02-19|publisher=|language=en}}</ref> Between 1998 and 2001 Gordy was awarded Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum, and Triple Platinum sales awards by the R.I.A.A. in commemoration of licensing Rick James', controlled compositions, [[Salt n Pepa|Salt n Pepa's]] ''[[Brand New (Salt-n-Pepa album)|Brand New]]'' Project, [[Erykah Badu|Erykah Badu's]] ''[[Live (Erykah Badu album)|Live]]'' Project and [[Mary J. Blige|Mary J. Blige's]] ''[[Share My World|Share my World]]'' and ''[[My Life (Mary J. Blige album)|My Life]]'' projects respectively. He has over 40 Gold, Platinum and Diamond plaques.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

In 1998, Gordy partnered with Gordon Bizar under the name Gordy-Bizar to securitize artists' and publishers' royalties. Financing deals were signed with [[Alice Walton|Alice Walton's]] investment banking firm [[Llama Company]] as well as [[Lehman Brothers]].

In 2003, Gordy signed a deal with [[Clear Channel Entertainment]] to produce his company's first theatrical venture, “Hear No Evil.” He also signed a worldwide deal with the [[William Morris Agency]] to be represented in that arena.

In 2004, Gordy co-founded Siebers Style with [[Debbie Siebers]] who earlier that year struck a deal with BEACHBODY to sell the “Debbie Siebers Slim in 6” rapid weight loss program which grossed an excess of $250 million for Beach Body.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beachbody on Demand|url=https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/programs/slim-in-6/start-here|access-date=2021-01-24|website=www.beachbodyondemand.com|language=en}}</ref> Siebers later became the fitness expert on the reality show ''[[The Swan (TV series)|The Swan]]'' on [[Fox TV]]. Gordy negotiated two book deals for Siebers with Silverback Publishing entitled ''Energy Boost'' and ''Nutritional Makeover''. {{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

In 2007, Gordy founded Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC., an intellectual property and branding company focused on entertainment. He also closed a seven-figure publishing deal for his long-time client, partner, and friend, Bruce Fisher (Writer of several number one hits including the standard "You Are So Beautiful") with Evergreen Publishing.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

In recent years, Gordy has entered into a deal to produce ''[[The Last Dragon]]'' for [[Sony Pictures]] with [[John Davis (producer)|John Davis]], who has produced over 90 feature films that have earned over $4.8 Billion at the box office worldwide to date. He also entered into a partnership with entertainment mogul [[Ted Field]] and [[Radar Pictures]] in an intellectual property joint venture.
Gordy partnered with [[Stevie Wonder]] and the [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts|Duke Ellington School]], in [[Washington, D.C.|Washington, DC]] to raise $1 Million to help fund school programs, and support growing budget costs. Because of Gordy's efforts, other celebrity musicians, including Sting, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle, lent their talents to help raise over $100 million for the institution. Their efforts allowed the Duke Ellington school to build a new state of the art campus.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
In 2004 Gordy co-founded Siebers Style with exercise guru Debbie Siebers who earlier that year struck a deal with [[Beachbody]] to sell the ''Debbie Siebers Slim in 6'' rapid weight loss program. Debbie also became the fitness expert on the prime time reality show ''[[The Swan (TV series)|The Swan]]'' on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]. Gordy negotiated two book deals for Debbie with Silverback Publishing entitled "Energy Boost" and "Nutritional Makeover". Gordy also started a fifty item clothing line for Debbie in conjunction with the Romar Group.

Through his work in Copyright Recapture, as CEO of Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc., Gordy has become known as "Robin Hood".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Steve Olenski|title=Signed, Sealed, Delivered: My One-On-One With Kerry Gordy|language=en|work=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2018/05/09/signed-sealed-delivered-my-one-on-one-with-kerry-gordy/?sh=78ab3a7d1752|access-date=2021-01-24}}</ref> Working with artists like [[Smokey Robinson]], [[Valerie Simpson]], The Rick James Estate, Writer/Producer [[Teddy Riley]]; whose productions include [[Michael Jackson]] and [[Lady Gaga]], Gordy has been responsible for over $80 Million in royalty payout increases and intellectual property branding deals.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} Some of his most successfully monetized songs include, "[[I Heard It Through the Grapevine]]", "[[Please Mr. Postman]]", "[[Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)|Just My Imagination]]", "[[Shop Around|Shop round]]", "[[Ain't Too Proud to Beg]]", "[[The Tracks of My Tears|Tracks of My Tears]]", "[[I'm Every Woman]]", "[[Ain't No Mountain High Enough]]", "[[War (The Temptations song)|War]]", "[[Super Freak]]", "[[You Are So Beautiful]]" and "[[Somebody's Watching Me]]".

Represented by Geneva Bray of GVA Talent Agency, Gordy has been a guest speaker for [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]], [[University of Southern California|USC]], [[Duke University]], and a keynote speaker at the [[Harvard Business School]]. Through a partnership with Yellow Brick Music, Co., Gordy has teamed up with the [[Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music]] at [[New York University|NYU]] to provide 100 scholarships for underprivileged students. {{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Gordy serves as an contributor to news organizations such as [[CNN]] and has appeared as himself on the TV series, ''[[Little Women: LA|Little Women LA]]'' as well as ''[[Inside Edition]]'' and ''[[Access Hollywood]]'' as a music industry expert.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerry Gordy|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2990249/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=IMDb}}</ref> He has also been featured in [[Forbes|Forbes Magazine]], where he shares his unique and insightful perspective on brand marketing.<ref name=":0" />


In 2021, Dakia Global/ Dakia Universal announced a joint venture with Gordy, IP to form Dakia-Gordy, IP.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerry Gordy|url=https://www.dakiaglobal.com/kerry-gordy|access-date=2021-01-24|website=Dakia Global|language=en-US}}</ref>
Gordy consults the "Writers Collective" and has also consulted for [[Stevie Wonder]].
Gordy was featured in [[Steven Samblis]]' self-help book, ''100 Habits from the worlds Happiest Achievers'', where he discusses his personal philosophies on life business and personal achievement and satisfaction.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
In 2007, Gordy founded Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC, an intellectual property and branding company focused in entertainment. He has signed Debbie Siebers, Clark Anderson, and [[Reggie Benjamin]] to his company. He also closed a publishing deal for his long-time client, partner, and friend, [[Bruce Fisher]], songwriter of several number one hits including the ''[[You Are So Beautiful]]'' with Evergreen Publishing.
In 2008, Gordy teamed up with [[John Davis (producer)|John Davis]], to produce two urban genre movies.

In 2012, Gordy contributed to writing and executive producing on the entire season's episodes of the television series ''The Jadagrace Show''.


==Family==
==Family==
The fourth eldest child of [[Berry Gordy]], Kerry's paternal half-siblings are:
The fourth eldest child of Berry Gordy, Gordy's paternal half-siblings are:
* Hazel Joy Gordy
* Hazel Joy Gordy
* Berry Gordy IV
* Berry Gordy IV
Line 59: Line 73:
* [[Redfoo|Stefan Kendal Gordy]] (Redfoo of [[LMFAO]])
* [[Redfoo|Stefan Kendal Gordy]] (Redfoo of [[LMFAO]])


Gordy has one daughter named Juliet Gordy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://celebsindepth.com/juliet-gordy/|title=Juliet Gordy &#124; Leah, Soundtrack Netflix, Father, Kerry Gordy, le Bal Debutante, Education, Relationship|date=19 December 2019}}</ref>
Kerry has three maternal half-siblings from his mother [[Ray Singleton|Raynoma Mayberry]]:
* Cliff Liles, son of Charles Liles and Raynoma Mayberry
* William Edward Singleton, Jr., son of Edward Singleton and Raynoma
* Rya Singleton, daughter of Eddie and Raynoma

Kerry has one daughter named Juliet Gordy.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Citation style|date=September 2009}}
Kerry Gordy Joins Top Music Industry Executives who Launch a Clothing Line, for Client Debbie Siebers [http://www.netweed.com/hiphoppress/2005/07/branching-out-in-business-guide-to.html]

Kerry Gordy's Client, Debbie Siebers, One of America's Top 12 Fitness Experts of All Time [http://www.fitness-stars.com/]

Debbie Siebers and Kerry Gordy Sign Deal with Romar Group [http://www.xeal.com/articles/At-it-Again-Music-and.htm]

Kerry Gordy Produces George Clinton's Comeback Hit, "Paint the White House Black" on the "Smell My Finger" Album [http://mother.pfunkarchive.com/motherpage/albums_gcpfas/alb-smellmyfinger.html]

Paisley Park Recruits Kerry Gordy to Oversee its Roster [https://archive.is/20130422072310/http://www.beastiemuseum.de/gr/1996/Magazine/Issue1/Features/Clinton/default.htm]

George Clinton Music Video "Paint the White House Black", Produced by Kerry Gordy Starring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yo Yo, MC Breed and Kam Among Others {{YouTube|Dxl4lQ8tmdM}}

Kerry Gordy Signs Indian "King of Pop", [[Reggie Benjamin]]

Chemical Engineer Turned Indian Pop Star, [[Reggie Benjamin]] Signs with Kerry Gordy Enterprises [https://web.archive.org/web/20080629104906/http://www.tlca.com/adults/reggie.html]

Manager Kerry Gordy Talks About Rick James Album Plans in 2000 [https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5923181/really_randoms_dmx_insane_clown_posse]

Rick James' Long Time Manager, Kerry Gordy, Talks About the Super Freak After His Death
[http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/friends%20of%20late%20james.s%20blow%20cocaine%20at%20portrait]

Top Warner Bros. Records Executives in 1995 [http://www.exploding.biz/vps.asp]

Kerry Gordy Writes Two Songs for The Temptations "Reunion" Album that Reaches #2 on Billboards R&B Album Chart [http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,173655,00.html]

Four Tops "Magic" Album Produced by Kerry Ashby and Benny Medina [http://www.soulandfunkmusic.com/producer/kerry_ashby]

Berry Gordy [[Berry Gordy]]

Kerry Gordy Produces Hit TV Show Theme "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" [https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/musicvideoscans/realstories.html&date=2009-10-26+02:25:44]

Kerry Gordy, Leader and Founder of Teen Idol Group "Apollo" [http://music.yahoo.com/ar-18900543-bio--Apollo]

Kerry Gordy and Benny Medina, Teen Idol Group "Apollo", National Television Debut on the Dinah Shore Show in 1978 (Video) {{YouTube|uiDX4tlsuRY}}


== Sources ==
Kerry Ashby on NBC's Diff'rent Strokes [http://www.tv.com/kerry-ashby/person/43976/summary.html]
* Kerry Gordy Produces George Clinton's Comeback Hit, "Paint the White House Black" on the "Smell My Finger" Album [http://mother.pfunkarchive.com/motherpage/albums_gcpfas/alb-smellmyfinger.html]
* Paisley Park Recruits Kerry Gordy to Oversee its Roster [https://archive.today/20130422072310/http://www.beastiemuseum.de/gr/1996/Magazine/Issue1/Features/Clinton/default.htm]
* George Clinton Music Video "Paint the White House Black", Produced by Kerry Gordy Starring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yo Yo, MC Breed and Kam Among Others {{YouTube|Dxl4lQ8tmdM}}
* Kerry Gordy Signs Indian "King of Pop", [[Reggie Benjamin]]
* Chemical Engineer Turned Indian Pop Star, [[Reggie Benjamin]] Signs with Kerry Gordy Enterprises [https://web.archive.org/web/20080629104906/http://www.tlca.com/adults/reggie.html]
* Manager Kerry Gordy Talks About Rick James Album Plans in 2000 [https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5923181/really_randoms_dmx_insane_clown_posse]{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* Rick James' Long Time Manager, Kerry Gordy, Talks About the Super Freak After His Death [http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/friends%20of%20late%20james.s%20blow%20cocaine%20at%20portrait]
* Top Warner Bros. Records Executives in 1995 [http://www.exploding.biz/vps.asp]
* Kerry Gordy Writes Two Songs for The Temptations "Reunion" Album that Reaches #2 on Billboards R&B Album Chart [http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,173655,00.html]
* Four Tops "Magic" Album Produced by Kerry Ashby and Benny Medina [http://www.soulandfunkmusic.com/producer/kerry_ashby]
* Kerry Gordy Produces Hit TV Show Theme "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" [https://web.archive.org/web/20090708130251/http://www.geocities.com/musicvideoscans/realstories.html]
* Kerry Gordy, Leader and Founder of Teen Idol Group "Apollo" [http://music.yahoo.com/ar-18900543-bio--Apollo]
* Kerry Gordy and Benny Medina, Teen Idol Group "Apollo", National Television Debut on the Dinah Shore Show in 1978 (Video) {{YouTube|uiDX4tlsuRY}}
* Kerry Ashby on NBC's Diff'rent Strokes [http://www.tv.com/kerry-ashby/person/43976/summary.html]


==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb name|2990249}}
*{{IMDb name|2990249}}
*{{Discogs artist}}


{{Gordy family}}
{{Gordy family}}
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[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:African-American songwriters]]
[[Category:African-American songwriters]]
[[Category:American songwriters]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Michigan]]
[[Category:American music industry executives]]
[[Category:American music industry executives]]
[[Category:American record producers]]
[[Category:American record producers]]

Latest revision as of 19:12, 24 January 2024

Kerry Ashby Gordy
Born (1959-06-25) June 25, 1959 (age 64)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
OriginDetroit, Michigan
Genres
Occupation(s)Record executive, Intellectual property manager, personal manager, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)
Years active1973-present
Labels
  • Nu Vintage, LLC
  • Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC

Kerry Ashby Gordy (born June 25, 1959) is a career music executive, and fourth eldest child of the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy. Kerry is the chief executive officer of Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc. LLC, KGIP Inc., and NuVintage, LLC., intellectual property and branding companies focused on entertainment.

Early years[edit]

Gordy was born in Detroit, Michigan to multi-instrumentalist, Motown songwriter and arranger, Raynoma Mayberry and Berry Gordy. He was born the same year that his father founded Motown Records on West Grand Boulevard which housed the Hitsville U.S.A/Motown recording studios.[1][relevant?]

Gordy's mother, was a child prodigy in music and played eleven instruments. She orchestrated the early arrangements for Motown. Gordy lived with his mother until the age of 13, at which point he began to live full-time with his father.

In 1972, Gordy moved to Los Angeles, California with his father and became one of his protégés, along with best friend and business partner, Benny Medina.[citation needed]

Gordy and Medina met during their time at Beverly Hills High School, during which time, Medina came to live at the Gordy Estate. Together, they wrote arranged and produced records for Motown and also founded the teen band, Apollo. Teena Marie was an original member of the band as the groups female lead. Teena later dropped out of the band before the release of their first single, "Astro Disco" in 1979.[2]

In the early 80s Gordy acted in various commercials, T.V. shows and movies under the name Kerry Ashby, and in 1990, participated as a judge in the Miss USA Pageant.[citation needed]

Early professional career[edit]

Gordy's career began in 1973 working in the Motown Records mailroom. The early years of his career were spent in various administrative and creative capacities. In order for Gordy to separate himself at Motown from his father Berry, he dropped his surname and began using the name Kerry Ashby professionally.[citation needed]

In 1984, as an A&R representative for Motown, Gordy was instrumental in signing Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me", which became a hit for Motown and Gordy's first hit. He was then promoted to the position of Director of A&R, where he worked on projects with Gold and Platinum artists such as The Temptations, the Four Tops, Rick James and Billy Preston. He also worked on compilation albums for Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.[3] He became a senior executive for The Gordy Company (his father's company after selling Motown in 1988[4]) where he was responsible for supervising business affairs, A&R, product development, administration and personnel. Between 1991 and 1993 Gordy consulted Al Bell's independently distributed label, Bellmark Records. This union culminated with $26 million in sales and yielded the year's biggest international hit, "Whoomp! (There It Is)" by the group Tag Team.[5]

In 1993, Gordy became the vice president of two divisions for Paisley Park Records, A&R and artist development, (a joint venture between Time-Warner and Prince).[6] That same year, Gordy produced and co-wrote George Clinton's comeback hit "Paint the White House Black" collaborating with artists Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Public Enemy, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The following year, he orchestrated a joint venture between Prince's N.P.G. label and Bellmark Records. This union yielded the hit "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World".[7]

Gordy served as vice president of A&R for Warner Bros. Records Black Music Division,[8] where in 1995 the R.I.A.A. (Recording Industry Association of America) awarded him with gold records on Zapp and Roger's All the Greatest Hits and Prince's Come Album. His production of Belize's "I’m Looking Out For You" was the theme song for Real Stories of the Highway Patrol. Gordy also managed Rick James, who sold in excess of $25 million records and grossed over $40 million in concert revenue, from 1996 until his death in 2004.[9]

Entertainment consulting, IP and other ventures[edit]

In 1997, Gordy negotiated and obtained a three-act production deal with Interscope Records joint venture partner B-Rite Records. The first release from that venture (Gospel Gangstaz) enjoyed success,[10] reaching number three on Billboards Gospel album chart and was also nominated for a Grammy Award.[11] Between 1998 and 2001 Gordy was awarded Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum, and Triple Platinum sales awards by the R.I.A.A. in commemoration of licensing Rick James', controlled compositions, Salt n Pepa's Brand New Project, Erykah Badu's Live Project and Mary J. Blige's Share my World and My Life projects respectively. He has over 40 Gold, Platinum and Diamond plaques.[citation needed]

In 1998, Gordy partnered with Gordon Bizar under the name Gordy-Bizar to securitize artists' and publishers' royalties. Financing deals were signed with Alice Walton's investment banking firm Llama Company as well as Lehman Brothers.

In 2003, Gordy signed a deal with Clear Channel Entertainment to produce his company's first theatrical venture, “Hear No Evil.” He also signed a worldwide deal with the William Morris Agency to be represented in that arena.

In 2004, Gordy co-founded Siebers Style with Debbie Siebers who earlier that year struck a deal with BEACHBODY to sell the “Debbie Siebers Slim in 6” rapid weight loss program which grossed an excess of $250 million for Beach Body.[12] Siebers later became the fitness expert on the reality show The Swan on Fox TV. Gordy negotiated two book deals for Siebers with Silverback Publishing entitled Energy Boost and Nutritional Makeover. [citation needed]

In 2007, Gordy founded Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC., an intellectual property and branding company focused on entertainment. He also closed a seven-figure publishing deal for his long-time client, partner, and friend, Bruce Fisher (Writer of several number one hits including the standard "You Are So Beautiful") with Evergreen Publishing.[citation needed]

In recent years, Gordy has entered into a deal to produce The Last Dragon for Sony Pictures with John Davis, who has produced over 90 feature films that have earned over $4.8 Billion at the box office worldwide to date. He also entered into a partnership with entertainment mogul Ted Field and Radar Pictures in an intellectual property joint venture.

Gordy partnered with Stevie Wonder and the Duke Ellington School, in Washington, DC to raise $1 Million to help fund school programs, and support growing budget costs. Because of Gordy's efforts, other celebrity musicians, including Sting, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle, lent their talents to help raise over $100 million for the institution. Their efforts allowed the Duke Ellington school to build a new state of the art campus.[citation needed]

Through his work in Copyright Recapture, as CEO of Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc., Gordy has become known as "Robin Hood".[13] Working with artists like Smokey Robinson, Valerie Simpson, The Rick James Estate, Writer/Producer Teddy Riley; whose productions include Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, Gordy has been responsible for over $80 Million in royalty payout increases and intellectual property branding deals.[citation needed] Some of his most successfully monetized songs include, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Please Mr. Postman", "Just My Imagination", "Shop round", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "Tracks of My Tears", "I'm Every Woman", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "War", "Super Freak", "You Are So Beautiful" and "Somebody's Watching Me".

Represented by Geneva Bray of GVA Talent Agency, Gordy has been a guest speaker for UCLA, USC, Duke University, and a keynote speaker at the Harvard Business School. Through a partnership with Yellow Brick Music, Co., Gordy has teamed up with the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU to provide 100 scholarships for underprivileged students. [citation needed] Gordy serves as an contributor to news organizations such as CNN and has appeared as himself on the TV series, Little Women LA as well as Inside Edition and Access Hollywood as a music industry expert.[14] He has also been featured in Forbes Magazine, where he shares his unique and insightful perspective on brand marketing.[13]

In 2021, Dakia Global/ Dakia Universal announced a joint venture with Gordy, IP to form Dakia-Gordy, IP.[15]

Gordy was featured in Steven Samblis' self-help book, 100 Habits from the worlds Happiest Achievers, where he discusses his personal philosophies on life business and personal achievement and satisfaction.[citation needed]

Family[edit]

The fourth eldest child of Berry Gordy, Gordy's paternal half-siblings are:

Gordy has one daughter named Juliet Gordy.[16]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard - Dedication to Motown's Legend Producer". Motown Museum. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  2. ^ "Apollo (2) - Astro Disco". Discogs. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  3. ^ "Kerry Ashby". Discogs. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  4. ^ "Motown Records Company L.P. | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  5. ^ Billboard. 1993-07-10.
  6. ^ Billboard. 1993-08-14.
  7. ^ Billboard. 1994-06-11.
  8. ^ Billboard. 1994-06-18.
  9. ^ "Funk Legend Rick James Dies at 56". Jet. 2004-08-23.
  10. ^ Billboard. 1999-06-19.
  11. ^ Billboard. 2000-02-19.
  12. ^ "Beachbody on Demand". www.beachbodyondemand.com. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  13. ^ a b Steve Olenski. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: My One-On-One With Kerry Gordy". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  14. ^ "Kerry Gordy". IMDb. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  15. ^ "Kerry Gordy". Dakia Global. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  16. ^ "Juliet Gordy | Leah, Soundtrack Netflix, Father, Kerry Gordy, le Bal Debutante, Education, Relationship". 19 December 2019.

Sources[edit]

  • Kerry Gordy Produces George Clinton's Comeback Hit, "Paint the White House Black" on the "Smell My Finger" Album [1]
  • Paisley Park Recruits Kerry Gordy to Oversee its Roster [2]
  • George Clinton Music Video "Paint the White House Black", Produced by Kerry Gordy Starring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yo Yo, MC Breed and Kam Among Others Video on YouTube
  • Kerry Gordy Signs Indian "King of Pop", Reggie Benjamin
  • Chemical Engineer Turned Indian Pop Star, Reggie Benjamin Signs with Kerry Gordy Enterprises [3]
  • Manager Kerry Gordy Talks About Rick James Album Plans in 2000 [4][dead link]
  • Rick James' Long Time Manager, Kerry Gordy, Talks About the Super Freak After His Death [5]
  • Top Warner Bros. Records Executives in 1995 [6]
  • Kerry Gordy Writes Two Songs for The Temptations "Reunion" Album that Reaches #2 on Billboards R&B Album Chart [7]
  • Four Tops "Magic" Album Produced by Kerry Ashby and Benny Medina [8]
  • Kerry Gordy Produces Hit TV Show Theme "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" [9]
  • Kerry Gordy, Leader and Founder of Teen Idol Group "Apollo" [10]
  • Kerry Gordy and Benny Medina, Teen Idol Group "Apollo", National Television Debut on the Dinah Shore Show in 1978 (Video) Video on YouTube
  • Kerry Ashby on NBC's Diff'rent Strokes [11]

External links[edit]

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