Kennedy William Gordy, better known by his stage name Rockwell, is an American singer, songwriter and recording artist who was signed to the Motown label.
Background
Rockwell is the son of Motown founder and Chief Executive Officer Berry Gordy and Margaret Norton. His father named him Kennedy William Gordy after John F. Kennedy and William "Smokey" Robinson. To avoid the appearance of nepotism, he secured his record deal without his father"s knowledge.
Career
Motown actually came up with the name Rockwell and the young Gordy agreed to the change because he believed he "rocked well."
"Somebody"s Watching Maine" became a Gold-certified million selling #2 smash hit in both the United States and United Kingdom. Additionally, it held #1 on Billboard"s Rhythm & Blues chart for five weeks. Follow-up singles underperformed, however, with single "Obscene Phone Caller" being Rockwell"s only other Top 40 single. This follow-up single reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Rockwell soon ended his musical career with Motown.
Rockwell appeared on Soul Train on February 2, 1985 (Season 14, Episode 17). Rockwell"s paternal half-sister is actress Rhonda Ross Kendrick, the eldest child of Diana Ross.
In July 2010, Kennedy married Nicole Moore. In 2013 he filed for divorce on grounds of "irreconcilable differences".
The couple have no children together.
In the divorce file Rockwell is asking to not pay spousal support.
Membership
Rockwell was not the first member of the Gordy family to hit Billboard"s Hot 100 as a recording artist.