ABSTRACT
SOMETIME IN HIS EARLY CAREER as a freelancing songwriter/ producer, Gordy promised his brother Robert that he would record one of his compositions. He did so and sold it to Carlton Records. It was called “Everyone was there” and Robert called himself Bob Kayli. Sales were impressive and it was decided to send the artist out on a promotional tour. No sooner was he on the road than sales tapered off. A problem with the visual aspects of the act? Gordy thought so, but Robert assured him the performances were fine. Gordy had the chance to see for himself when “Bob Kayli” appeared on a Saturday night television show. “The problem then became clear,” says Gordy. “This white-sounding record did not go with his black face. Bob Kayli was history … When that happened I realized this was not just about good or bad records, this was about race” (1994:95).
