Rockwell (musician)

Last updated

Rockwell
Birth nameKennedy William Gordy
Also known asKenneth Gordy
Born (1964-03-15) March 15, 1964 (age 60)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1978–1986
Labels Motown

Kennedy William Gordy [1] (born March 15, 1964), [2] better known by his stage name Rockwell, is an American singer. He is best known for his hit 1984 single "Somebody's Watching Me", which features Michael Jackson on chorus vocals. [3] Gordy is the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. [1] [3] [4] Other relatives include half-siblings Redfoo, Rhonda Ross Kendrick and half-nephew Sky Blu.

Contents

Early life

Kennedy William Gordy is the son of Motown founder and CEO Berry Gordy and Margaret Norton. His father named him Kennedy William after John F. Kennedy and William "Smokey" Robinson. [5]

Career

To avoid the appearance of nepotism, Gordy secured his record deal without his father's knowledge. [1] Motown proposed the name of Rockwell and Gordy agreed to the change because he believed that he "rocked well." In 1984, Rockwell released his most successful single "Somebody's Watching Me", with childhood friend Michael Jackson singing the chorus lyrics and Jermaine Jackson singing backing vocals. [1] [3] "Somebody's Watching Me" became a RIAA gold-certified [3] #2 song in the U.S. and peaked at #6 in the UK. [6] It held #1 on Billboard's R&B chart for five weeks. Follow-up singles underperformed, and "Obscene Phone Caller" became Rockwell's only other Top 40 single. It reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. [7] Rockwell released two more albums before ending his musical career with Motown.

Rockwell was not the first member of the Gordy family to hit Billboard's Hot 100 as a recording artist. His uncle Robert Gordy reached the chart in 1958 with "Everyone Was There", recording under the name of Bob Kayli.[ citation needed ] In 2021, "Somebody's Watching Me" reentered the UK chart, peaking at #47. [6]

Since the 1990s, Rockwell has left music to focus on charity work, such as the Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, and the United Negro College Fund. [8]

Personal life

Rockwell is the son of Berry Gordy. Rockwell's paternal half-sister is actress Rhonda Ross Kendrick, the eldest child of Diana Ross. He is also closely related to the group LMFAO through his half-brother Redfoo (Stephen Kendal Gordy, son of Berry Gordy and Nancy Leiviska) and his half-nephew Sky Blu (Skyler Austen Gordy, son of his half-brother Berry Gordy IV and his wife Valerie Robeson).[ citation needed ]

In July 2010, Rockwell married Nicole Moore. In 2013, he filed for divorce. [9]

On November 29, 2018, Rockwell was arrested in Hollywood for allegedly beating an associate with a chair at the Magic Castle Hotel after she approached him and demanded payment. Rockwell was released from jail on December 1, 2018, on a $30,000 bail. On January 7, 2019, the woman, who suffered multiple injuries from the attack and had undergone surgery to repair a broken arm, filed a lawsuit against Rockwell in Los Angeles for personal injury, claiming damages exceeding $25,000. [10]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions Certifications
US
[7]
US R&B
[7]
AUS
[11]
CAN
[12]
UK
[6]
Somebody's Watching Me 155993452
Captured
  • Release date: January 15, 1985
  • Label: Motown Records
12052
The Genie
  • Release date: 1986
  • Label: Motown Records
59
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[7]
US
R&B

[7]
US
Dance

[7]
AUS
[11]
AUT
[14]
CAN
[15]
NZ
[16]
SWI
[17]
UK
[6]
"Somebody's Watching Me"198421312142536Somebody's Watching Me
"Obscene Phone Caller"35979
"Taxman"88
"Knife"
"He's a Cobra"198510865Captured
"Peeping Tom"21
"Tokyo"
"Carmé"198646The Genie
"Grow-Up!"
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Filmography

Film
YearTitleRole
1978 Bloodbrothers Tyrone
2023FITUMI: Fake It til U Make ItMan at table
Television
YearTitleRoleNotes
1971 The Doris Day Show HimselfEpisode: "Whodunnit, Doris"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Ross</span> American singer (born 1944)

Diana Ross is an American singer and actress. She was the lead singer of the vocal group The Supremes, who became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. They remain the best-charting female group in history, with a total of 12 number-one pop singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "You Keep Me Hangin' On," and "Love Child."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berry Gordy</span> American music executive and record producer (born 1929)

Berry Gordy III known professionally as Berry Gordy Jr., is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jermaine Jackson</span> American singer and member of the Jackson 5 (born 1954)

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is an American singer, songwriter and bassist. He is best known for being a member of the Jackson family. From 1964 to 1975, Jermaine was second vocalist after his brother Michael of the Jackson 5, and played bass guitar. Since 1983 he rejoined the group, now known as the Jacksons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somebody's Watching Me</span> 1984 single by Rockwell

"Somebody's Watching Me" is a song recorded and written by American singer Rockwell, released by the Motown label in December 1983, as the lead single from his debut studio album of the same name. It features guest vocals by Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson and Norman Dozier. The song became a major commercial success internationally, topping the charts in Belgium, France, and Spain, and reaching the top 5 in Canada, West Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. In the UK, it reached No. 6 and is Rockwell's only top 40 hit on the UK Singles Chart. Rolling Stone magazine called the song "an international and enduring smash hit that, more than 30 years later, remains the perennial paranoia-rock anthem and Halloween mix go-to song."

<i>Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5</i> 1969 studio album by the Jackson 5

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 is the debut studio album from Gary, Indiana-based soul family band the Jackson 5, released on the Motown label on December 12, 1969. The Jackson 5's lead singer, a preadolescent Michael Jackson and his four older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, became pop successes within months of this album's release. Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5's only single, "I Want You Back", became a number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 within weeks of the album's release. The album reached number 5 on the US Pop Albums chart, and spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the US R&B/Black Albums chart.

<i>Got to Be There</i> 1972 studio album by Michael Jackson

Got to Be There is the debut solo studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Motown on January 24, 1972, four weeks after the Jackson 5's Greatest Hits (1971). It includes the song of the same name, which was released on October 7, 1971, as Jackson's debut solo single.

<i>Ben</i> (Michael Jackson album) 1972 studio album by Michael Jackson

Ben is the second studio album by the American singer Michael Jackson, released by Motown Records on August 4, 1972, while Jackson was still a member of the Jackson 5. It received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Ben, however, was more successful on the music charts than Jackson's previous studio album, peaking within the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Internationally, the album was less successful, peaking at number 12 in Canada, while charting within the top 200 positions in Australia and France.

<i>Diana Ross</i> (1970 album) 1970 studio album by Diana Ross

Diana Ross is the debut solo studio album by American singer Diana Ross, released on June 19, 1970 by Motown Records. The ultimate test to see if the former Supremes frontwoman could make it as a solo act, the album was overseen by the songwriting-producing team of Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, who had Ross re-record several of the songs the duo had recorded on other Motown acts. Johnny Bristol, producer of her final single with The Supremes, contributed on The Velvelettes cover "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You."

<i>Diana & Marvin</i> 1973 studio album by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye

Diana & Marvin is a duets album by American soul musicians Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, released October 26, 1973 on Motown. Recording sessions for the album took place between 1971 and 1973 at Motown Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. Gaye and Ross were widely recognized at the time as two of the top pop music performers.

<i>Let the Sunshine In</i> (album) 1969 studio album by Diana Ross & the Supremes

Let The Sunshine In is the sixteenth studio album by Diana Ross & the Supremes recorded and released by Motown in 1969. It contains the hit single "I'm Livin' in Shame", "The Composer," a Smokey Robinson composition that peaked at number 27, and "No Matter What Sign You Are," - a single produced by Motown chief Berry Gordy that failed to crack to Top 30. Motown had titled the album “No Matter What Sign You Are” originally; going as far as creating the front cover art with the title in it, but when the single didn’t chart as expected the album was retitled “Let The Sunshine In.” Though the album was released when the group consisted of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong, original founding member Florence Ballard appears on two songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Gordy</span> American music publishing executive (1931–2022)

Robert Louis Gordy was an American songwriter, music publishing executive, and recording artist under the stage name Bob Kayli. He released the minor hit song "Everyone Was There" in 1958. He was the brother of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. and uncle of Redfoo.

<i>In a Special Way</i> 1983 studio album by DeBarge

In a Special Way is the third studio album by American R&B group DeBarge, released by Gordy Records on September 24, 1983. It was recorded at Kendun Records in Burbank and Westlake Audio in West Hollywood; written and produced by lead vocalist El DeBarge with additional writing by Mark, James and Bunny DeBarge.

Kerry Ashby Gordy is a career music executive, and fourth eldest child of the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy. Kerry is the chief executive officer of Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc. LLC, KGIP Inc., and NuVintage, LLC., intellectual property and branding companies focused on entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You've Made Me So Very Happy</span> 1967 single by Brenda Holloway

"You've Made Me So Very Happy" is a song written by Brenda Holloway, Patrice Holloway, Frank Wilson and Berry Gordy, and was released first as a single in 1967 by Brenda Holloway on the Tamla label. The song was later a huge hit for jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1969, and became a Gold record.

The Gordys are an African-American family of businesspeople and music industry executives. They were born to Georgia-reared parents Berry "Pops" Gordy Sr. and Bertha Gordy and raised in Detroit, where most of the siblings played a pivotal role in the international acceptance of rhythm and blues music as a crossover phenomenon in the 1960s. The accomplishment is attributable to the creation of Motown, a company founded by the seventh-oldest sibling, Berry Gordy Jr..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LMFAO</span> American musical duo

LMFAO was an American electronic dance music duo consisting of Redfoo and Sky Blu. Redfoo is the youngest son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Nancy Leiviska. Sky Blu is Gordy's grandson and the son of Redfoo's half-brother, Berry Gordy IV, Gordy's son with his first wife Thelma Coleman.

<i>Somebodys Watching Me</i> (album) 1984 studio album by Rockwell

Somebody's Watching Me is the debut studio album by singer-songwriter Rockwell, released in 1984 on Motown. It features the title track, as well as the US top 40 hit "Obscene Phone Caller". However the next two singles, the power ballad "Knife" and a cover of the Beatles' "Taxman" failed to reach the top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Singleton</span> Musical artist

Raynoma Mayberry Liles Gordy Singleton was an American R&B producer, songwriter, and vocalist perhaps best known for her association with ex-husband, Berry Gordy during the early days of Motown when she was often known as Miss Ray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redfoo</span> American rapper, singer and record producer

Stefan Kendal Gordy, better known by his stage name Redfoo, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer and DJ from Los Angeles, California. He is known as part of the EDM-hip house duo LMFAO, which he formed with his half-nephew Sky Blu in 2006. The duo are best known for their 2011 singles "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It," both of which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. They released two studio albums: Party Rock (2009) and Sorry for Party Rocking (2011) through will.i.am Music Group, an imprint of Interscope Records until their disbandment in 2012. Redfoo released his debut solo album, Party Rock Mansion in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Blu (rapper)</span> American rapper, singer and record producer

Skyler Austen Gordy, better known by his stage name Sky Blu, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, DJ and dancer. He is known as part of the EDM duo LMFAO, which he formed with his half-uncle and fellow rapper Redfoo in 2006. The duo are best known for their 2011 singles "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It," both of which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. They released two studio albums: Party Rock (2009) and Sorry for Party Rocking (2011) through will.i.am Music Group, an imprint of Interscope Records until their disbandment in 2012. As a solo act, Gordy has released the albums Rebel Music (2013) and Fxck Yeah: Chaos To Consciousness (2016).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Huey, Steve. "Artist Biography". AllMusic.
  2. Mossman, Jennifer (2000). Almanac of die People (7th ed.). Gale Group. p. 1636. ISBN   9780787647926.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Newman, Jason. "How Rockwell Created Paranoid Pop Classic 'Somebody's Watching Me'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  4. Holden, Stephen (April 1, 1984). "It Takes Star Quality to Share the Jackson Limelight". The New York Times . Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  5. Gordy, Berry (1994). "Survival of the Fittest: 1960–1964". To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown. New York: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN   0-7472-1417-4.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Rockwell - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Rockwell > Charts & Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  8. "Where are they now? Rockwell". Vibe Magazine. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  9. "R&B Singer Rockwell – Somebody's Watching Me ... Divorce My Wife". TMZ.com. EHM Productions, Inc. June 29, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  10. Trock, Gary; Walters, Liz (January 7, 2019). "Berry Gordy's Son, Rockwell, Was Arrested for Allegedly Beating Woman With a Chair During Brutal Attack". The Blast. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 254. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  12. "Results – RPM – Library and Archives Canada: Top Albums/CDs". RPM. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  13. "RIAA – Gold & Platinum – July 25, 2010: Rockwell certified albums". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  14. "austriancharts.at – Austria Top 40". austriancharts.at. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  15. "Results – RPM – Library and Archives Canada: Top Singles". RPM. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  16. "charts.nz – New Zealand charts portal". charts.nz. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  17. "Die Offizielle Schweizer Hitparade und Music Community". hitparade.ch. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  18. "RIAA – Gold & Platinum – July 25, 2010: Rockwell certified singles". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  19. "British certifications – Rockwell". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved November 3, 2023.Type Rockwell in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.