Suzanne De Passe Quotes

Powerful Suzanne De Passe for Daily Growth

About Suzanne De Passe

Suzanne De Passe, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, was born on January 9, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by her grandmother, who instilled a deep love for music and dance within her, De Passe discovered her passion for arts at an early age. This passion led her to study drama at Wayne State University. In the late 1960s, De Passe joined Motown Records, where she worked closely with Berry Gordy Jr., helping to develop and manage some of Motown's most iconic artists, such as Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and The Jackson 5. Her tenure at Motown was pivotal, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry. In 1973, De Passe co-founded The De Passe Company (TDC), becoming one of the first African American women to run a major television production company. Through TDC, she produced groundbreaking shows like "Good Times," "Sanford and Son," and "The Jeffersons." In film, she is renowned for her work on "A Soldier's Story" and "Roots: The Next Generations." De Passe's contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond just production. She served as President of the NAACP Image Awards from 1986-1990, a platform that honors the achievements of people of color in the arts, film, and television. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for her work on "A Soldier's Story." Throughout her career, Suzanne De Passe has consistently used her platform to advocate for diversity and representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and entertainment industry professionals.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill (often attributed to Suzanne De Passe)

This quote emphasizes resilience and persistence in the face of success or failure. The author suggests that while success may be temporary, it is not definitive; likewise, a failure does not signify an end but rather an opportunity to learn and try again. It underscores the importance of courage, determination, and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.


"I am a firm believer in following your own dream. Don't let someone else's idea of who you should be dictate who you really are."

This quote by Suzanne De Passe emphasizes the importance of individuality, self-discovery, and personal growth. It suggests that one should not conform to others' expectations or definitions of who they should be, but rather pursue their own dreams and aspirations authentically, allowing their true selves to shine through. In other words, it encourages people to embrace their unique identity and live life according to their own passions and goals, rather than succumbing to societal or external pressures that may hinder self-expression and personal fulfillment.


"The arts are not a luxury, they are a vital source of nourishment for the human spirit."

This quote emphasizes the essential role of the arts in human life. Instead of being a frivolous luxury, art is viewed as an indispensable element that feeds the human spirit. It signifies that artistic expression provides nourishment for our mental, emotional, and intellectual well-being, making it vital to our overall development and growth as individuals and as a society.


"In this business, you have to believe in yourself and your dreams."

This quote emphasizes self-confidence and perseverance as essential traits for success in any field, particularly within creative industries like entertainment. Believing in oneself is the foundation of one's convictions about their abilities, while nurturing dreams represents a personal vision or goals that drive an individual forward. In combining these two elements, Suzanne De Passe encourages aspiring professionals to have unwavering confidence in themselves and their aspirations, which will empower them to overcome obstacles, persist through challenges, and ultimately achieve their objectives.


"I think the most important thing is to be passionate about what you do."

This quote by Suzanne De Passe emphasizes the importance of passion in one's work or endeavors. Passion serves as a driving force, motivating individuals to invest time, effort, and creativity into their pursuits. When we are passionate about what we do, it often leads to increased productivity, higher levels of job satisfaction, and overall success. Being passionate about our work not only benefits us personally but also contributes positively to the quality of our output and the communities we serve. Therefore, cultivating and maintaining passion is crucial in both professional and personal spheres of life.


Berry Gordy discovered more superstars than anyone I know. I grew up in that environment, and I know you can develop talent and market it.

- Suzanne de Passe

More, Develop, Discovered, Berry

I think Berry Gordy is a genius, I really do, and it's not a word I throw around lightly. But with all that comes the idiosyncratic behavior of a self-made, talented, creative person, and that's not easy to come up against.

- Suzanne de Passe

Against, I Think, Berry, Self-Made

I think, at some level, if we concentrate on problems as opposed to solutions, then you just create more problems.

- Suzanne de Passe

Think, Some, Opposed, Concentrate

Motown wasn't just pioneering a sound but a cultural dynamic.

- Suzanne de Passe

Sound, Cultural, Motown, Dynamic

I consider myself a product of Berry Gordy, but not a clone... He and I are always friends and colleagues, and I will always revere him as a mentor and boss. Though, of course, I'm always struggling for more equal footing.

- Suzanne de Passe

Product, Always, Berry, Revere

I am the greatest Angela Bassett fan. She is such a fine human being and so steady.

- Suzanne de Passe

Human Being, Being, Angela, Steady

I've always said that the greatest racism in Hollywood has to do with what color ink you produce: Black or red.

- Suzanne de Passe

Red, Racism, Always, Ink

There's often a big difference between business considerations as opposed to the business of the heart.

- Suzanne de Passe

Business, Big, Opposed, Considerations

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