(October 23, 2022) He was both figuratively and literally part of the Motown family, and he played a key role in one of the great musical stories of the 20th century. Tonight we mourn the passing of singer and music executive Robert Louis Gordy, younger brother of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr., at age 91. Sadly, Gordy dies a little more than a year after the passing of his son, recording artist Robert Gordy, Jr.
The Detroit-born Gordy was a popular local singer who landed a single hit on the Billboard charts in 1958 with the novelty song “Everyone Was There” (using the pseudonym Bob Kayli) among several recorded 45s. But his real impact on the music scene happened a few years later when he joined his older brother’s iconic label, first as a recording engineer and songwriter, and more importantly as part of the label’s publishing subsidiary, Jobete Music.
(October 23, 2022) He was both figuratively and literally part of the Motown family, and he played a key role in one of the great musical stories of the 20th century. Tonight we mourn the passing of singer and music executive Robert Louis Gordy, younger brother of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr., at age 91. Sadly, Gordy dies a little more than a year after the passing of his son, recording artist Robert Gordy, Jr.
The Detroit-born Gordy was a popular local singer who landed a single hit on the Billboard charts in 1958 with the novelty song “Everyone Was There” (using the pseudonym Bob Kayli) among several recorded 45s. But his real impact on the music scene happened a few years later when he joined his older brother’s iconic label, first as a recording engineer and songwriter, and more importantly as part of the label’s publishing subsidiary, Jobete Music.
Gordy ultimately ran Jobete, which became arguably the most valued and valuable Motown asset, a virtual treasure trove of all time classic songs that reportedly swelled over the course of years to more than 7,000.
When Motown moved to California in the early 1970s, Gordy went with it, and even took a role in the Motown musical movie Lady Sings The Blues. And he remained in California until his death, living in Marina Del Ray.
The Detroit News quoted Berry Gordy as staing “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my younger brother, Robert. He was absolutely the best lil’ brother anyone could ever hope for. His ability to succeed at whatever he attempted or that I threw his way, amazed me over the years. I will miss his love, his support, and his loyalty.”
Thanks to SoulTracker Paulette for letting us know