Assignment 13

Berry Gordy – To Be Loved, autobiography

What surprised me the most: the loyalty of the employees to the record company for many years, even decades. Many willing to relocate as well.

Most admired: He always listened to his employees. He knew his value was in his people, not just cranking out records. He also knew who had potential and dedication, even without prior experience in a position.

Least admired: He once sold a man some pots that the customer didn’t really need, his father was not happy about it. Thinking back on that story, I wasn’t either. He was a great salesman but didn’t really solve someone’s need.

Adversity and failure: Many didn’t believe his vision in getting a career in music. The other children in the family had “better” careers and his parents were embarrassed when asked what Berry was doing. Though he eventually proved himself as a songwriter, increasing roles and responsibility, the family bought into the vision and worked alongside him as well.

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Competencies: He was dedicated. He preached his vision and was able to sell it to others to follow him. He listened to his employees and took risk with various projects. He had the ability to see potential whether that were for a future employee or for a future artist.

Confusing part: I wouldn’t say it was confusing, but the mentions of his love for boxing felt like it didn’t necessarily need to belong there. But then again, it was his autobiography and a true passion of his until songwriting took over and blew up.

Questions I would ask: Do you still feel that there is some race stigma in our artistic culture today? I’d like to compare the past to the present. What issues do you feel need to spoken about today? Do you see your artists confronting them if Motown were still operating? He had some works commemorating Dr. King and others. I’d be curious to see if the artists would speak out about current issues as they did in the past.

Opinion on hard work: I think Gordy’s opinion would be sticking with your passion and not letting anyone bring you down. You’re always trying to grow and do the next big thing. I share that opinion.