The following year , the new Moonglows split up and with Fuqua as his mentor , Gaye traveled to Detroit , Michigan where they met Berry Gordy , who had formed Motown Records . Gordy was impressed by Marvin 's talent as a piano player and drummer and signed him as a session drummer for Motown . Stories on how Gaye eventually met Berry Gordy and how he signed to Motown Records vary .