Berry Gordy started Tamla Records (eventually called Motown) after being fed up with not receiving his royalty payments for co-writing hits, “Lonely Teardrops” and others for Jackie Wilson.
“Lucious Lyon” was fed up with his former label owner, “Baretti,” when “Lucious” was just an artist. “Baretti” did not pay Lucious his royalty earnings, so “Baretti” eventually became his rival after “Lucious” decided to start his own label.

Berry’s niece, Iris Gordy, served as a vice president at Motown, where she helped launch the careers of DeBarge, Teena Marie, and Rick James. She currently sits on the board of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Iris is the daughter of Fuller Gordy, Berry’s oldest sibling.
“Lucious'” fiance’ (well now his ex-fiance’), “Anika’s” character sounds kind of influenced by Iris.