Kennedy William Gordy (born March 15, 1964), better known by his stage name Rockwell, is an American singer. He is most well known for his hit 1984 single "Somebody's Watching Me", which features Michael Jackson on chorus vocals.
Biography[]
Rockwell was born to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. and his first wife, Margaret Norton. Despite being born into a huge and influencial family inthe music industry, Rockwell chose to make a name for himself through his talent rather than relying solely on his family's connections.
In 1984, Rockwell released his debut album, also titled "Somebody's Watching Me." The title track, featuring Michael Jackson on backing vocals, became an instant sensation. The song's catchy melody, haunting lyrics, and a sense of paranoia struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to the top of the charts. It remains one of the most memorable hits of the 1980s.
Rockwell's musical style was a blend of pop and R&B, characterized by infectious hooks and a distinctive vocal delivery. His unique ability to infuse elements of funk and new wave into his music set him apart from his contemporaries. "Somebody's Watching Me" exemplified this fusion and showcased his versatility as an artist. The song's influence can also be seen in the countless covers and samples by other artists.
He is also closely related to the group LMFAO through his half-brother Redfoo (Stephen Kendal Gordy, son of Berry Gordy and Nancy Leiviska) and his half-nephew Sky Blu (Skyler Austen Gordy, son of his half-brother Berry Gordy IV and his wife Valerie Robeson).
Despite the immense success of his debut single, Rockwell faced challenges in maintaining his career momentum. His subsequent albums, including "Captured" and "The Genie," did not achieve the same level of success. Nevertheless, he continued to produce music and perform, showcasing his determination and passion for his craft.
Rockwell's hit song "Somebody's Watching Me" mirrored his personal life, as he grappled with the pressures of fame and the invasion of his privacy. The song's lyrics reflected his feelings of being watched and scrutinized, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by celebrities in the spotlight.
Rockwell's contribution to the music industry, particularly through "Somebody's Watching Me," cannot be understated. His ability to craft a memorable tune that transcends time and genre boundaries solidifies his place in music history. Despite the challenges and comparisons to his famous family, Rockwell carved out a niche for himself and continues to be remembered as a talented artist who left an indelible mark on the 1980s music landscape.
Trivia[]
- His father named him Kennedy William after John F. Kennedy and William "Smokey" Robinson.
- In late 2021, "Somebody's Watching Me" reentered the UK chart, peaking at #47.
Discography[]
Studio albums[]
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | AUS | CAN | UK | |||
| Somebody's Watching Me |
|
15 | 5 | 99 | 34 | 52 |
|
| Captured |
|
120 | 52 | — | — | — | |
| The Genie |
|
— | 59 | — | — | — | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart. | |||||||
Singles[]
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | US Dan | AUS | AUT | CAN | NZ | SWI | UK | ||||||
| "Somebody's Watching Me" | 1984 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
|
Somebody's Watching Me | ||
| "Obscene Phone Caller" | 35 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 79 | |||||
| "Taxman" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 88 | |||||
| "Knife" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| "He's a Cobra" | 1985 | 108 | 65 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Captured | |||
| "Peeping Tom" | — | — | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| "Tokyo" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| "Carmé" | 1986 | — | 46 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | The Genie | |||
| "Grow-Up!" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| "Somebody's Watching Me" (UK reentry) | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 47 | Somebody's Watching Me | |||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart. | ||||||||||||||
Filmography[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | The Doris Day Show | Young Boy | Television sitcom |
| 1978 | Bloodbrothers | Tyrone | Feature film |
| 1984 | Somebody's Watching Me | Himself | Music video |
| Obscene Phone Caller | |||
| Superstar | |||
| 1985 | Peeping Tom | ||
| Soul Train | |||
| 1986 | American Bandstand | ||
| 2018 | The Craig Caddell Show | ||
| 2023 | FITUMI: Fake It til U Make It | Man at table | Upcoming feature film |