The pioneering Suzanne de Passe

Suzanne de Passe's home is a testament to her extraordinary career in the music and entertainment industry, adorned with gold and platinum albums, cherished photos with icons like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, and her Oscar-nominated screenplay for "Lady Sings the Blues." Set to be inducted into the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, de Passe reflects on her groundbreaking journey as a trailblazing executive who transitioned Motown from Hitsville to Hollywood with sheer determination.

Born in Harlem and raised in the supportive environment of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, de Passe credits her family's values as the foundation for her success. At 19, she left college to book performers at the Cheetah Club in Manhattan, which led her to Motown's founder, Berry Gordy. Despite his reluctance to formalize a contract, Gordy hired her as a creative assistant, and she dedicated over two decades to the company, discovering talents such as The Jackson 5.

De Passe vividly remembers the moment she first heard the group from Gary, Indiana, recalling how the excitement sent "the hair on the back of [her] neck" standing up. Her instincts proved right as the Jackson 5 became a sensation, with de Passe closely guiding their early career, from picking their wardrobe to fine-tuning their dance moves. During the 1970s, she continued to shape Motown's roster by signing influential artists like The Commodores and Rick James, exemplifying her resilience and talent in an industry rife with challenges.

Facing sexism and racism throughout her career, de Passe emphasized that succumbing to these adversities would undermine her identity. Instead, she thrived on intuition, having successfully convinced Diana Ross to record "I'm Coming Out," despite Ross's initial resistance. Her instinctive approach led to significant projects, such as the legendary TV special "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever," which showcased Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk, and the acclaimed miniseries "Lonesome Dove."

At 78, de Passe remains a vital force in the industry, continuously discovering new stories to tell. With her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she expresses deep gratitude for her journey, acknowledging the hard work that underpins her achievements. Suzanne de Passe’s legacy as a pioneer not only redefines the entertainment landscape but also inspires future generations to pursue their passions, regardless of the barriers they may face.