Born
Kenneth Gordy,
Rockwell is the son of Motown Records founder
Berry Gordy. He changed his name so as to avoid charges of nepotism, wanting to make it in the music business on his talent alone. He signed to Motown as a solo artist without his father's knowledge, taking his name from his high school band. His first single, the
Michael Jackson-esque "Somebody's Watching Me," which featured backing vocals from both
Michael and
Jermaine Jackson, shot into the Top Ten, hit number one on the R&B charts, and went gold; only then did he reveal his true identity. This, however, was his peak of success; the follow-up single fizzled, as did his next album. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide