The Hidden Family Tie Between Jimmy Carter and Motown's Berry Gordy: A Fascinating Chapter in American History

Former President Jimmy Carter, who celebrated a century of life, has deep roots that weave through American history, linking him to various figures spanning generations—a lineage that includes cotton planters, Quakers, and even a spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. However, one of the most startling revelations from his ancestry is his connection to Berry Gordy, the mastermind behind Motown Records, the record label that revolutionized music in the 1960s and 70s with iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and the Supremes.

The surprising familial bond between Carter and Gordy traces back to 19th-century Georgia, where they share a common ancestor—James Thomas Gordy, a plantation owner. Historical records suggest that he fathered a child with an enslaved woman, leading to this unique connection. While genealogists acknowledge the lack of conclusive evidence of a direct blood relation through documentation like census records, both families recognize the link.

Berry Gordy, now 95, recalled a discussion with Carter about their shared heritage during the former president's re-election campaign in 1980. "In 1978, my sister commissioned a research institute to verify the Gordy family tree. You can imagine the shock and pride I felt when I discovered that President Jimmy Carter and I were actually third cousins," Gordy revealed. Their connection led to a warm camaraderie, referring to each other as "cuz."

This familial link poses a profound commentary on race and America's complex history. The juxtaposition of a white president with roots in slavery and a Black figure who shaped the essence of modern music illustrates the intricate tapestry of American identities and histories. Jonathan Alter, author of "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life," notes that such relationships are emblematic of the nation's fraught past.

Despite the profound implications of this connection, it remains relatively unknown to the broader public. Notably, Jeff Carter, one of Jimmy Carter’s sons, briefly mentioned it in his genealogy research but indicated that the connection wasn't a closely held secret within the families. In a revealing moment, he remarked, “When I found out about it, I asked Dad. He said, ‘Yeah, they all knew about it.’ It wasn’t a secret.”

Interestingly, the Carter family's genealogy doesn’t end with Gordy. Jeff Carter also discovered another fascinating musical lineage—Elvis Presley is revealed to be a sixth cousin once removed of Jimmy Carter.

Berry Gordy founded Motown in 1959 with a modest $800 loan and went on to create a powerful cultural legacy. Prior to the monumental success of Motown, Gordy and his family likely had little awareness of the Carters. Gordy grew up in rural Georgia, and his father's memoirs hint at the complex history they both share, considering the origins of their family ties grounded in a shared yet divided past.

The story of Jimmy Carter and Berry Gordy is more than just an intriguing genealogical fact—it's a vivid reminder of the connections that bind us, transcending racial and historical divides, and illuminating the enduring complexity of American heritage. As we reflect on Carter's life and legacy, it becomes clear that history often holds surprises that echo through time, reminding us of our shared journey.