Berry Gordy
Awards & Honours
7
Awards Won
8
Honours
2
Records
Berry Gordy's honors reflect his outsize role in American music and culture. He is one of the few figures inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer, and his receipt of the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors places him among the most celebrated arts leaders in U.S. history. The designation of Berry Gordy Square in Hollywood in 2019 underscores his impact on the entertainment industry. His Motown catalog, though sold, remains one of the most valuable song collections in the world, and his model of Black-owned independent business continues to inspire entrepreneurs.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Inducted as a non-performer for his contributions to the music industry.
Grammy Trustee Award
Special merit award for significant contributions to the field of recording.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Star at 1500 Vine Street.
American Legend Award
Recognition of lifetime achievement in music.
National Medal of Arts
Awarded by President Barack Obama for contributions to the arts.
Kennedy Center Honors
Lifetime achievement award for contributions to American culture.
Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame Induction
Inducted for his impact on music and entertainment.
Berry Gordy Square
Designation of the former Motown office location at Sunset Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.
Records & Feats
First Black-owned record label to achieve mainstream crossover success
Motown Records, under Gordy's leadership, became the first Black-owned label to consistently produce Top 40 hits crossing over to white audiences.
Most Top 40 hits produced by a single label in a decade
Motown placed over 100 singles in the Top 40 between 1961 and 1971, a record for a single label.