Photo of Sherry Gordy by Sheryl Aronson and Sherman Alford

Sherry Gordy Takes the Stage in the
World of Business

BY SHERYL ARONSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERYL ARONSON & SHERMAN ALFORD

Sherry Gordy wears many hats as a CEO, Producer, Host, Real Estate Broker, Philanthropist, and Entrepreneur. As the daughter of legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, Sherry developed a resolute work ethic from an early age, carving out her path to success. In 2004, Gordy founded the Sherry Jackson Foundation, which focuses on underprivileged children. In 2013, she debuted the Motown-inspired “Take the Stage” at the Club Tequila Showroom in the Fiesta Rancho Casino Hotel in North Las Vegas and created “Stage 2 Stage,” a national talent competition.

Groomed to be an erudite businesswoman, Sherry was entrusted to rate businesses and write reports for her father—thus developing her unique talent as an entrepreneur.

When in Sherry’s presence, she exudes quiet confidence and warmth. Professing to be extremely shy even when in the spotlight, Gordy rises to the occasion by taking the stage with assurance and pizazz. However, she admits, “When I’m hosting my shows, I’m acting … I’m not that outgoing. My natural self is behind the scenes and quiet. That’s how I’ve been my whole life. My dad and the celebrities have always been the focal point, and I was in the background observing.”

Recently, I sat down with Sherry Gordy at her home in Las Vegas and discussed her life and successes. Here is our interview.

Chic Compass: Describe how growing up as the daughter of the legendary Berry Gordy shaped your life. What was typical in your childhood, and what was unique or different?

Sherry Gordy: Growing up as the daughter of my iconic father, Berry Gordy, I felt as if all eyes were always on me. My behavior reflected the morals and ethical values he instilled in me. I didn’t realize that my young life wasn’t as normal as everybody else’s because I was expected to do my assigned chores for an allowance, accomplish my nightly homework, maintain excellent grades, and take piano and dance lessons, like the rest of my friends did. It took me years to realize that my life was exceedingly privileged and highly unique.

Chic Compass: You were surrounded by music and artists shaping a generation and generations to come. Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and so many more were part of your musical family. Talk about how this influenced your creative process or business acuity.

Sherry Gordy: What I learned from the people you mentioned, such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and the rest of the Motown family, was poise, grace, humility, and how to conduct myself properly in public. They were my aunts and uncles. I didn’t see them as stars; they were simply my family.

Chic Compass: You developed a strong work ethic at a young age. Please speak about how that has affected your life.

Sherry Gordy: At a young age, I learned how to be independent, self-reliant, and goal-oriented from my father. That has served me well through the years, much to my father’s delight and approval.

Chic Compass: Are there any fun stories you’d like to share growing up in the Motown family?

Sherry Gordy: There’re too many stories to share, but I will tell you one of my favorites. My mom gave me a huge backyard fifth birthday party. The one thing that stood out most to me at the time was the hundreds of presents I received. Keep in mind I was just turning five. As an adult looking back, I realize that the large family at the party were some of the biggest stars in the world, like those mentioned above, but to me, it was just a fun backyard family party.

Chic Compass: Talk about developing your career as a successful businesswoman in the real estate/mortgage world.

Sherry Gordy: By becoming educated … first in real estate and obtaining my Real Estate broker’s license. Later becoming educated in the mortgage industry, starting in an upper management position with a well-known national mortgage firm and working my way up to a vice president position.

Chic Compass: Why did you choose Las Vegas as the city you wanted to live in and develop your businesses and entertainment projects there?

Sherry Gordy: The national mortgage company I worked for had an opening at their Vegas office, which they offered me. That meant relocating to Las Vegas.

Chic Compass: How did you create and launch “Tickle Me Tuesdays Comedy Jam Dinner Show” on the Las Vegas strip?

Sherry Gordy: I spent an evening with two friends in Los Angeles, where they took me to a comedy club in West Hollywood. I had the time of my life and told them I wanted to produce my comedy show in Vegas. If I could have this much fun, others would too. The idea for “Tickle Me Tuesdays Comedy Jam and Dinner Show” was born. I assembled a great team, and together we debuted the show inside the Blue Note Showroom at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino (now Planet Hollywood) to rave reviews.

Chic Compass: You then continued to develop many more venues for artists: “Take the Stage” at the Club Tequila and “Stage 2 Stage,” which gave new talent a place to be seen. What was your vision here?

Sherry Gordy: I wanted to honor my father and the legacy he created with a variety show that would allow local talent to have a venue to perform and hopefully help launch their careers. About a year later, at the suggestion of John Anthony, we created a spin-off production, “Stage 2 Stage.” It was a touring production like “Take the Stage,” with the addition of a weekly singing competition in different cities each week.

The winner would be flown to Las Vegas to perform on the big stage at “Sherry Gordy Presents,” which received immense international exposure, and people from around the world came to Las Vegas hoping to get on the show. Years later, we were invited to create a production in Australia for a world tour.

Photo of Berry and Sherry Gordy by Arnie Grey Designs Photography

Chic Compass: You have also been recognized with awards, certificates of merit, two Sherry Gordy days in Las Vegas, and doing philanthropic work with children. What does this mean to you?

Sherry Gordy: Let me start by saying that the awards, commendations, and proclamations were given to my team as well as to me. Together we have put in hard work and have been recognized for keeping our vision alive and relevant.

I learned philanthropy from my father, who put me on the board of The Berry Gordy Family Foundation. I was then inspired to create the Sherry Jackson Foundation to benefit children. It’s an honor to try and make a difference in causes that are dear to my heart. Children are precious, and my efforts will always go toward helping children to thrive and survive in an increasingly difficult world.

Chic Compass: You also developed the Las Vegas Soul Festival at UNLV in 2014 for a few years. How meaningful was that to produce? And you’re working on the Motown Museum Expansion. Please talk about how that is going.

Sherry Gordy: In 2014, I was asked to help with the production of The Las Vegas Soul Festival and lend my name to it. It was a thrilling opportunity to be involved with the Soul Festival and help promote SGP at the same time. It was a huge undertaking and my first experience helping to produce a music festival. Charity work is one of my passions, so it was extremely rewarding to collaborate with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation.

The museum expansion will be a great asset to the world. The renderings look amazing. My cousin Robin Terry, CEO and President of the Museum, is doing an excellent job. The work is targeted for completion in 2024.

Photo of Sherry Gordy with her husband Dexter by Sheryl Aronson and Sherman Alford

Chic Compass: You’re newly married. Happy 3rd Anniversary! How has this changed your life?

Sherry Gordy: Thank you so much for the anniversary wishes. Yes, Dexter and I have been married for three years. I’m so lucky to have found the Yin to my Yang. We work as a team and as a couple.

Any married person knows that relationships aren’t perfect, but this time I found a man with whom I have an easy, peaceful, harmonious, wonderful life. He’s my rock! I have found myself a keeper! I can’t imagine having to shelter in place during the pandemic with anyone else.

Chic Compass: What has been the best compliment you have received from your father?

Sherry Gordy: My father loved how I produced “Take The Stage” and the other shows that I did. He’s always complimenting me, and that makes me very happy.

Chic Compass: What does the future hold for you personally and professionally?

Sherry Gordy: To be honest, I have had some time in the last few years to travel and enjoy life. I wish to continue traveling and seeing the world. But I’m certainly not ready to retire.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me better. It’s been my pleasure to sit down with you and reflect on Love and Motown.