7 Songwriting Tips Michael Jackson Learnt From Berry Gordy.

Berry Gordy is a legend. Starting Motown from nothing in 1959, he created a music legacy that will last for eternity. Generating stars such as Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and the greatest entertainer that ever lived Michael Jackson.

Penning songs for legendary performers such as Jackie Wilson’s hits “Reet Petite” and “Lonely Teardrops” and together as The Corporation writing many songs for the Jackson 5 many of which topped charts. Four of them ; "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I’ll Be There" reaching number one consecutively a feat never achieved before.

Michael Jackson not only holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling album of all time with “Thriller” but has penned masterpieces such as “Earth song”, “Beat it”, “Billie Jean”, “Will You be There” etc. Songwriting tips he picked from many great songwriters but most importantly Berry Gordy.

A lot of elements in Michael Jackson’s songs can be traced back to Berry Gordy’s songwriting.

Details of songwriting that he combines that sets his top charting record breaking songs above the rest.



1. Write semi autobiographically
Let the song be about you to some extent. It makes it relatable to audiences.

Many of Berry Gordy’s songs are written this way, a tip Michael Jackson borrowed.

“Hold me like the river…