Condolences: Barrett Strong
• Motown legend Barrett Strong, who co-wrote some of the era’s most iconic hits, like “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” “I Heard It Thru The Grapevine” and “War,” to name just a few, died last weekend at the age of 81.
Along with his collaborator Norman Whitfield, Strong co-wrote 14 Billboard Hot 100 chart entries, including three No. 1s, a No. 2, 3 and No. 4 songs, including these timeless classics by The Temptations: “Ball of Confusion,” “Don’t Let the Joneses Get You Down,” “I Wish it Would Rain,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” (for which he won a Grammy in 1973), “Just My Imagination” and “Cloud Nine.” They also wrote “I Heard it Thru the Grapevine,” which charted for six different artists, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, and peaked at No. 1 for Marvin Gaye and No. 2 for Gladys Knight. He also wrote “War” for Edwin Starr, in case you need some more.
As a recording artist, Strong had Motown’s first-ever chart hit in 1959 with “Money (That’s What I Want),” on Anna Records, which was written by Motown founder Berry Gordy and his then-secretary, Janie Bradford.
Berry Gordy issued the following statement that reads, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Barrett Strong, one of my earliest artists, and the man who sang my first big hit ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ in 1959. 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, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times like ‘Cloud Nine’ and the still relevant, ‘Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today).’ My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Barrett is an original member of the Motown Family and will be missed by all of us.”
Barrett Strong was honored at the 2006 Conclave in Minneapolis, and not surprisingly, RAMP‘s Steve Resnik was in the house to pay his respects, alongside then Conclave Executive Director Tom Kay (right). [Upper photo by the Motown Museum, and special thanks to RAMP‘s resident chart guru, Steve Resnik]
