Rockwell

Born Kennedy William Gordy, Rockwell grew up as the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. To steer clear of nepotism accusations and prove himself solely through ability, he adopted a stage name and joined the label as an independent solo act, keeping the decision hidden from his father. The 1983 debut single “Somebody’s Watching Me,” which included backing vocals by both Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, quickly climbed into the Top Ten, reached number two on Billboard’s Hot 100, and earned gold certification. His true identity eventually surfaced, yet that breakthrough marked the height of his commercial fortunes. The next release, “Obscene Phone Caller,” failed to connect, while the albums Captured (1985) and The Genie (1986) likewise met with little sales traction. Rockwell soon stepped away from the music business altogether.