Detrio — Detroit recording artist, songwriter, producer and music executive Robert Louis Gordy Sr. died of natural causes Friday at his home in Marina Del Rey, California. Gordy, the younger brother of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, was 91 years old.
Born in Detroit in 1931, Robert Gordy began his musical career in 1958 when he wrote the hit “Everyone Was There” with Berry and performed it on Dick Clark’s television show. According to his release from Universal Music, which owns Motown, he has contributed to several hit songs with Motown.
Gordy also ran Jobete Music Publishing company, a music publishing affiliate of Motown Records. Under his leadership, Jobete Music has moved from being the copyright owner of the songs to a “highly profitable international publisher,” the release said.
Gordy also worked as an actor, playing drug trafficker “Hawk” in the 1972 film Lady Things the Blues.
Berry Gordy said, “I am so saddened by the sudden passing of my brother Robert. He was the best brother anyone could have hoped for. What he tried or I gave way.” His ability to pull things off has amazed me over the years.I will miss his love, his support and his loyalty.
Gordy enjoyed spending time with his family, playing chess and golf with his friends. He has his three children Roxanna Wright, Rodney Gordy and Fuller his Gordy, his brother Berry Gordy, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his friend Pamela his Davis.
A funeral has not yet been scheduled, and his family is asking people to donate to the Motown Museum in Detroit instead of sending flowers.
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