Robert Louis Gordy, the younger brother of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, died on Friday. He was 91 years old.
According to The Detroit Free Press, Universal Music Enterprises, owner of Motown, announced that the former artist, songwriter and music executive died suddenly of natural causes at his home in Marina del Rey, California.
The youngest of Berry “Pop” Gordy Sr. and Bertha Gordy’s eight children, Robert was born on July 15, 1931. He made his debut in the music industry in 1958 with the song “Everyone Was There”, which co-wrote with his brother Berry under the pseudonym Bob Kayli.
While working for Motown, he started acting in 1972, playing a drug dealer in the movie “Lady Sings the Blues”, and eventually took over Jobete Music Publishing.
Although he had little experience in the music publishing industry, Robert Gordy ran the business successfully for over 20 years. He transformed it from a song copyright holder into a thriving global publishing company.
The Detroit News reported that Robert treasured his time with family and friends and participated in golf and chess tournaments.
He was predeceased by his eldest son, Robert Jr., and his wife, Theresa. He is survived by his brother Berry, his children Roxanna Wright, Rodney Gordy and Fuller Gordy, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and his friend Pamela Davis.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my younger brother, Robert,” Berry Gordy said, according to the Detroit News. “He was absolutely the best little brother anyone could hope for. His ability to pull off anything he tried or I threw at me has amazed me over the years. His love, support and loyalty go miss.
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