Motown Record’s Founder Berry Gordy’s Brother, Robert Louis Gordy Sr., Dies At 91

Motown Record’s founder Berry Gordy’s youngest brother, Robert Louis Gordy Sr., has died at the age of 91.

According to Detroit Free Press, Gordy Sr. died of natural causes at his home in Marina del Rey, California, on Oct. 21. His death was reportedly sudden, Universal Music Enterprises announced via a press release that day.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my younger brother, Robert,” a devastated Berry said in a statement.

The Motown founder added, “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.”

Robert was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 15, 1931, making him the youngest of eight children to Bertha Gordy and Berry “Pop” Gordy Sr. He began his music career under the name Bob Kayli and released his first song, “Everyone Was There,” written with Berry, in 1958.

While contributing to several hit songs at Motown, he landed his first acting role as a drug dealer in the movie “Lady Sings The Blues” (1972). The Detroit native also recorded a second single on Berry’s Anna label, “Never More” (1959), before becoming a postal worker for a brief time. He then recorded two more singles as Bob Kayli: “Small Sad Sam” (a cover of Phil McLean’s response record to “Big Bad John,” Tamla, 1961) and “Hold On Pearl” (Gordy, 1962).

He later took over Jobete Music Publishing, despite not having a lot of experience in the publishing field. With Berry’s support of Berry, successfully ran the company for over 20 years. The younger sibling transformed it from a holder of song copyrights into an international publishing company.

Robert leaves behind Berry, three children: Rodney Gordy, Fuller Gordy and Roxanna Wright, and four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, among other relatives.