Kerry Gordy - Professional Career

Professional Career

Kerry Gordy has been totally involved in the recording industry. His career began in 1973 working in the Motown Records mailroom. The early years of his career were spent in various administrative and creative capacities. In 1979, he released an album on Motown as a member of the group, Apollo. By the 1980s, he was known professionally as Kerry Ashby to separate himself at Motown from his father Berry. He worked as a writer and producer for various up and coming artists.

He was then promoted to the position of Director of A&R, where he worked on projects with artists such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, Rick James and Billy Preston among others. He also worked on compilation albums for Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. He became a Senior Executive for the Gordy Company (his father’s company after selling Motown) in 1988 where he was responsible for supervising Business Affairs, A&R, Product Development, Administration and Personnel. Between 1991 and 1993 Kerry consulted Al Bell’s independently distributed label, Bellmark Records.

Between 1991 and 1993 Kerry consulted and invested in Al Bell's distribution label. In 1993, Kerry became the Vice President of two divisions for Paisley Park Records, A&R and Artist Development, (a joint venture between Time-Warner and the superstar “Prince”). He produced and co-wrote George Clinton’s comeback hit “Paint the White House Black” utilizing icons of the rap and rock community such as Platinum artists Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The following year, he orchestrated a joint venture between Prince’s N.P.G. label and Bellmark Records. This union again yielded a world wide # 1 smash single, “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.”

Kerry served as Vice President of A&R for Warner Bros. Records Black Music Division, where in 1995 the R.I.A.A. (Recording Industry Association of America) awarded him with Gold records on Zapp and Roger's "All the Greatest Hits" and Prince's "Come" Album. His production of “I’m Looking Out For You,” was the theme song for “Real Stories of the Highway Patrol.” It was broadcast six nights a week in over 190 markets, including CBS in Los Angeles and is still running today on the REAL TV Network.

He managed Rick James from 1996 until Rick died in 2004. In 1997 Kerry negotiated and obtained a three-act production deal with Interscope Records joint venture partner B-Rite Records. The first release from that venture (Gospel Gangstaz) enjoyed success.

In 2003 Kerry signed a deal with Clear Channel Entertainment to produce his company’s first theatrical. He also signed a worldwide deal with the William Morris Agency to be represented in that arena.

In 2004 Kerry co-founded Siebers Style with exercise guru Debbie Siebers who earlier that year struck a deal with Beachbody to sell the “ Debbie Siebers Slim in 6” rapid weight loss program. Debbie also became the fitness expert on the prime time reality show “The Swan” on Fox. Kerry negotiated two book deals for Debbie with Silverback Publishing entitled “Energy Boost” and “Nutritional Makeover”. Kerry also started a fifty item clothing line for Debbie in conjunction with the Romar Group. Kerry consults the “Writers Collective”, and has also consulted Stevie Wonder.

In 2007, Kerry founded Kerry Gordy Enterprises, LLC (an intellectual property and branding company focused in entertainment). He has signed Debbie Siebers, Clark Anderson, and Reggie Benjamin to this company. He also closed a publishing deal for his long-time client, partner, and friend, Bruce Fisher (Writer of several number one hits including the standard "You Are So Beautiful") with Evergreen Publishing.

In 2008, Kerry teamed up with John Davis, to produce two urban genre movies. He also signed a production deal with the Peak/Concord Music Group distributed through Universal Music Group for the services of Leigh Jones.

In 2012, Kerry contributed to writing and executive producing on the entire season's episodes of the television series The Jadagrace Show.