Post by 1finemrg on Jan 30, 2023 6:33:06 GMT -5
Motown legend Barrett Strong passed away January 29 at the age of 81.
Barrett co-wrote and sang the first Top 40 hit for Motown. Released in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)" would peak at #23 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the R & B charts. Though the years, the song would reach the Hot 100 when covered by Jr. Walker & the All-Stars and the Flying Lizards. Other notable cover versions were recorded by the Beatles and the Kingsmen.
It was his pairing with Norman Whitfield as a songwriting and production duo that made a lasting mark in Motown history. Barrett and Norman's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" reached #2 when recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips. A year after its success, Barrett and Norman convinced Berry Gordy to release Marvin Gaye's version. It began a 7 week run at the top of the Hot 100 in late 1968.
The duo was behind the late 60s and early 70s success of the Temptations, crafting classics like “I Wish It Would Rain,” “Just My Imagination,” “Cloud Nine,” and “Psychedelic Shack”. They earned a Grammy for “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
Barrett & Norman were also behind Edwin Starr's "War". The inspiration came from Barrett's cousin, a paratrooper who was badly injured during the Vietnam war.
In addition to the Grammy, Strong was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Songwriters in 1990 and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in 2004.
"Barrett has left his indelible stamp... on music history," said Temptations founder Otis Williams in a statement. "Our Motown family has lost a beloved brother and extraordinary songwriter."
Gordy added: "Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield, created an incredible body of work. "Barrett is an original member of the Motown Family and will be missed by all of us."
Obituary
Barrett co-wrote and sang the first Top 40 hit for Motown. Released in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)" would peak at #23 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the R & B charts. Though the years, the song would reach the Hot 100 when covered by Jr. Walker & the All-Stars and the Flying Lizards. Other notable cover versions were recorded by the Beatles and the Kingsmen.
It was his pairing with Norman Whitfield as a songwriting and production duo that made a lasting mark in Motown history. Barrett and Norman's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" reached #2 when recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips. A year after its success, Barrett and Norman convinced Berry Gordy to release Marvin Gaye's version. It began a 7 week run at the top of the Hot 100 in late 1968.
The duo was behind the late 60s and early 70s success of the Temptations, crafting classics like “I Wish It Would Rain,” “Just My Imagination,” “Cloud Nine,” and “Psychedelic Shack”. They earned a Grammy for “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
Barrett & Norman were also behind Edwin Starr's "War". The inspiration came from Barrett's cousin, a paratrooper who was badly injured during the Vietnam war.
In addition to the Grammy, Strong was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Songwriters in 1990 and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in 2004.
"Barrett has left his indelible stamp... on music history," said Temptations founder Otis Williams in a statement. "Our Motown family has lost a beloved brother and extraordinary songwriter."
Gordy added: "Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield, created an incredible body of work. "Barrett is an original member of the Motown Family and will be missed by all of us."
Obituary
