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.

A cover of "Somebody's Watching Me", by the dance act Beatfreakz, was released in the UK in March 2006, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart. A cover version of the song was also released by the band Warmen.

Detroit