Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Barrett Strong

Barrett Strong (February 5, 1941 – January 28, 2023) was an singer, songwriter, and renowned as one of the founding figures of Records, where he recorded the label's first national hit single, "Money (That's What I Want)" (1960), and later co-wrote several of its biggest successes, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Born in , to a family headed by his father, a minister, Strong was the only boy among six children and moved with his family to in 1945, where he grew up immersed in the city's vibrant music scene. As a self-taught and singer, he was introduced to through connections with and signed with Motown's Tamla imprint in April 1959, becoming one of the label's earliest artists. Strong's debut recording, "Money (That's What I Want)", co-written with and , reached No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the , marking 's breakthrough and establishing the raw, energetic sound that defined the label's early years. After leaving in 1961 amid frustrations over royalties, he briefly recorded with before returning in a songwriting capacity, partnering with producer to craft anthems for artists like , , and . Their collaborations produced timeless hits such as "" (1968), "" (1970), "" (1971), "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" (1971), and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" (1972), many of which topped the charts and earned Grammy nominations, while Strong's songwriting earned him induction into the in 2004. Strong retired from music in the mid-1970s but remained a revered influence on soul and R&B, passing away at his home in , , , at age 81.

Early life

Family and childhood

Barrett Strong was born on February 5, 1941, in , the only boy in a family of five children. His parents were Barrett Strong Sr. and Cloteal Gladney Strong. His sisters were Vera Mar Cole, Carolyn Ward, Lessie Perry, and Ester Tyson. Strong's father served as a , which immersed the family in the rhythms of church life and traditions from an early age. This religious environment shaped the household's daily routines, with services and community gatherings providing a foundational cultural backdrop. The Strong family lived in rural , during the early 1940s, a time of profound economic hardship for African American families amid the lingering effects of the and entrenched Jim Crow segregation. His father supplemented his ministerial duties by working on a local farm, reflecting the limited opportunities available to Black residents in the sharecropping-dominated Delta region. These conditions, characterized by and systemic , were common drivers of the northward. The family relocated to , , when Strong was four years old, seeking improved prospects.

Musical development and influences

Following the family's relocation to Detroit in 1945, when Strong was four years old, they settled into a musical household on the city's west side, where his father, a worker at the Uniroyal Tire plant, purchased an upright that soon became a focal point of family life. This environment, enriched by the family's active participation in local church activities, immersed young Strong in the sounds of from an early age. Strong began singing at Hutchins Middle School in Detroit, where his classmates included Aretha Franklin and Lamont Dozier. As a teenager, Strong developed his musical abilities through self-directed practice, teaching himself to play the piano by ear on his father's instrument without any formal instruction. He further honed his skills by joining his four sisters in the gospel ensemble known as the Strong Singers (also called the Strong Sisters), performing harmonies and accompanying on piano during local church services and regional tours. These experiences exposed him to prominent gospel figures, including encounters with Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers as well as the Staple Singers while traveling, deepening his appreciation for emotive vocal styles and rhythmic piano techniques central to the genre. Strong graduated from Central High School in in 1959, a period during which the city's thriving ecosystem—encompassing from neighborhood churches, emanating from the historic Hastings Street clubs, and R&B broadcasts on local radio stations—profoundly influenced his evolving sound. Living in close proximity to these vibrant hubs on 's west side, he absorbed the raw energy of live performances at juke joints and informal gigs, blending 's spiritual fervor with the gritty improvisation of artists active in the local scene and the upbeat grooves of R&B pioneers airing on stations like WJLB. This formative exposure cultivated his innate sense of and , laying the groundwork for his transition into professional music.

Career

Early recordings and Motown debut

In 1959, at the age of 18, Barrett Strong was signed to Tamla Records, Berry Gordy's newly founded label and precursor to , becoming one of its inaugural artists. Strong, a self-taught pianist, was brought into the studio during the label's early days at Hitsville U.S.A. in , where he contributed the driving piano riff to the session for what would become his debut single. The track, "Money (That's What I Want)," was written by and Tamla's office administrator , capturing a raw, piano-led R&B sound with minimal instrumentation hastily assembled from local musicians. Recorded in the summer of 1959 and released in August on Tamla 54027, it marked the label's breakthrough, with the B-side "Oh I Apologize" not charting independently. The song climbed to No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the Hot 100, generating essential revenue that enabled to expand operations and solidify Tamla's foundation. Strong's next release was the 1960 single "Yes, No, Maybe So," released via the affiliated Anna Records and achieving limited chart impact. These early releases highlighted Strong's versatile vocal and piano talents while underscoring the nascent label's growing pains in sustaining hits.

Songwriting partnership with

After achieving initial success with "Money (That's What I Want)" in 1959, Barrett Strong's follow-up singles for failed to replicate that chart performance, prompting his departure from the label in 1961. He subsequently recorded for small independent labels, including Whirl and Soulless, but these efforts yielded no significant commercial breakthroughs. Strong returned to around 1966, transitioning from performing to a role as a staff songwriter, where his talents found renewed purpose. Upon rejoining , Strong established a prolific songwriting partnership with producer , beginning in 1966. In this collaboration, Strong typically contributed the lyrics, while Whitfield handled the musical composition, arrangement, and production. Their work helped propel into its era, characterized by innovative instrumentation, social themes, and extended compositions that blended , and soul elements. This duo's creative synergy was instrumental in elevating the label's artistic output during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Whitfield-Strong team co-wrote numerous chart-topping hits that defined Motown's golden age. Among their earliest successes was "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", initially recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1967, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and later by Marvin Gaye in 1968, holding the #1 position for seven weeks and becoming Motown's biggest-selling single at the time. Other key tracks included "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" for Marvin Gaye in 1969, which topped the R&B chart; "War" by Edwin Starr in 1970, reaching #1 on the pop chart and serving as a potent anti-war anthem; and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by the Temptations in 1972, which hit #1 on both pop and R&B charts and earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Their catalog also featured "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (Temptations, 1970, #3 R&B), "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" (Temptations, 1971, #1 pop), "Smiling Faces Sometimes" (recorded by the Temptations in 1971 and released as a single by the Undisputed Truth, #3 pop), "Cloud Nine" (Temptations, 1968, #6 pop), and "I Wish It Would Rain" (Temptations, 1968, #1 R&B), many of which addressed social issues and marked the Temptations' shift toward socially conscious material. Over the course of their partnership, which lasted through the early , Strong and Whitfield co-authored more than 20 Top 10 hits, significantly influencing Motown's transition from romantic ballads to more experimental and message-driven . Their contributions not only boosted the careers of artists like and but also solidified Motown's position as a cultural force during a turbulent era.

Solo albums and post-Motown work

After departing in 1971 due to the label's relocation to and shifts in its creative direction, Barrett Strong refocused on his performing career. He signed with following his departure from , marking a brief return to recording as a lead artist, though output was limited to a handful of singles. His debut Epic release, the funk-infused "Stand Up and Cheer for the Preacher" in 1973, addressed themes of false prophets and societal hypocrisy but failed to chart significantly. Strong transitioned to in the mid-1970s, where he released his first full-length solo , Stronghold, in 1975. Produced and largely written by Strong himself, the blended , , and elements across tracks like "," a opener emphasizing romantic pursuit, and "," which explored themes of emotional vulnerability. It also featured covers and original compositions that showcased Strong's versatile vocals, though commercial success eluded it. Later that year, Capitol issued the single "Surrender" from Stronghold, followed by "Is It True" in 1976, a soulful inquiry into relationship doubts backed with "Anywhere." These tracks represented sporadic promotional efforts amid Strong's evolving style. Strong's second Capitol album, Live & Love, arrived in 1976, shifting toward more introspective romantic ballads while retaining soulful grooves. Highlights included "Man Up in the Sky," an uplifting funk track about aspiration, the cover "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" (a nod to blues standards), and a reimagined version of his Motown hit "Money (That's What I Want)." The album, recorded at Malaco Studios in Mississippi, highlighted Strong's production skills but received limited attention and no major hits. Following these releases, Strong's recording activity waned in the late , with only occasional reissues of earlier work, as he increasingly turned to production roles. The and saw significant gaps in his solo discography, during which he prioritized behind-the-scenes contributions over personal artistry.

Later years and contributions

Founding Blarritt Records

In 1995, Barrett Strong founded Blarritt Records in , motivated by the scarcity of opportunities for emerging artists in the city's evolving music landscape after Motown's departure. The label's primary mission was to serve as a supportive platform for aspiring Detroit musicians, emphasizing hands-on mentorship, in-house production resources, and guidance on distribution to help local talent bypass barriers posed by major record companies. Strong drew from his own experiences, noting that young artists frequently approached him for assistance in recording when traditional deals were unavailable. Strong personally oversaw early operations as and artistic and (A&R) director, directing initial releases toward promising local R&B and performers to foster development in the . Like many independent ventures in Detroit's post-Motown era, Blarritt grappled with securing stable funding and overcoming distribution obstacles amid the industry's shift away from the city and economic pressures on Black-owned labels, ultimately failing due to Strong's lack of .

Mentorship and final honors

In his later years, Barrett Strong served as an artistic mentor, producer, and talent scout through Blarritt Records, which he founded in 1995 to support aspiring musicians. He guided young artists via workshops and production sessions, emphasizing hands-on collaboration to develop their skills in songwriting and recording. Strong promoted the "Boomtown Sound" as a vibrant local movement, drawing on Detroit's musical heritage to foster a new generation of talent rooted in , R&B, and emerging urban styles. In 2001, Strong released the album Stronghold II on Blarritt Records, a self-produced that blended genres including covers, original compositions, and subtle influences through rhythmic experimentation and collaborations. The album featured vocalist Eliza Neals on tracks like "More Than I Am," showcasing Strong's versatility in updating Motown-era sounds for contemporary audiences while maintaining his signature lyrical depth. This release marked a creative resurgence, highlighting his ongoing commitment to independent production and artistic evolution. Strong's contributions earned him significant professional accolades, including induction into the in 2004 alongside his longtime collaborator , recognizing their iconic songwriting partnership. He also received the Distinguished Achievement Award at the 2000 Detroit Music Awards for his enduring impact on the city's music scene. Into the 2010s, Strong remained active with occasional performances, such as appearances at events, and reflective interviews where he discussed his legacy and the importance of perseverance in music.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

Barrett Strong died on January 28, 2023, in , , at the age of 81. The was not publicly disclosed, as confirmed by family statements, and no details from an were released. He was survived by his children, including son Chelson Strong who confirmed the passing, along with siblings and his extended family; funeral arrangements were kept private, with a service held on March 4, 2023, at Greater Grace Temple in . Strong, a longtime Detroit resident who had relocated to California in later years, passed away shortly before his 82nd birthday on February 5. The death was confirmed by Motown founder Berry Gordy and the Motown Museum.

Impact on Motown and music industry

Barrett Strong played a pivotal role in Motown's early financial viability through the royalties from his 1959 single "Money (That's What I Want)," which became the label's first national hit and provided a crucial cash influx that supported its startup operations, including the acquisition and maintenance of Hitsville USA as the central studio and the development of emerging artists. The song's enduring popularity, amplified by covers from major acts like the Beatles on their 1964 album With the Beatles and the Rolling Stones on their 1964 EP, generated ongoing publishing revenue that helped sustain Motown during its formative years. As a songwriter, primarily in partnership with producer , Strong pioneered socially conscious themes in , introducing pointed commentary on issues like the in tracks such as "War" (1970), originally intended for and later a hit for . This approach marked a departure from Motown's earlier romantic style, influencing ' evolution toward with songs like "" (1968) and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (1970), which blended introspective lyrics with experimental instrumentation to address social unrest. Strong's lyrical depth expanded soul's boundaries, encouraging future R&B and artists to incorporate narrative-driven, issue-oriented in their work. Strong's broader legacy encompasses co-writing numerous classics, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967) and "" (1972), which earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1973 and inspired widespread sampling in , such as by and . His contributions helped define 's sound, bridging R&B with pop and rock while elevating Black artists' visibility in mainstream markets. Following his death on January 28, 2023, tributes highlighted his "unsung hero" status, with founder praising Strong's "indelible stamp" on the label's history and media outlets like and emphasizing his foundational yet often overlooked influence.

Discography

Studio albums

Barrett Strong's recorded output as a lead artist was predominantly singles during his years, with full-length studio albums emerging later in his after leaving the label. No dedicated studio album was released in 1961; "" was a Tamla (b/w "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right") that exemplified his early R&B style but remained part of his sparse pre-1970s , later appearing on compilations rather than a standalone . Strong's debut studio album, Stronghold, arrived in 1975 via (ST-11376). Featuring nine tracks in a soul-funk vein, it was recorded at Crystal Sound Studio and highlighted Strong's songwriting and production involvement. Key cuts include the "Is It True," which reached No. 41 on the R&B chart, alongside "" and "." The album peaked at No. 47 on the Black Albums chart, reflecting modest commercial reception amid the era's competitive soul landscape. In 1976, Strong released Live & Love on Capitol Records (ST-11490), featuring soul tracks with his arrangements and vocals. It received positive reviews for its modern soul sound but achieved limited commercial success. In 1980, Strong released Love Is You on Coup Records (distributed by Cherie), though its release faced limited promotion and distribution challenges. Centered on romantic soul themes, the album emphasized intimate ballads and Strong's emotive vocals, with the title track serving as a standout. It garnered niche appreciation for its heartfelt arrangements but did not achieve significant chart traction or widespread sales. In 2001, Strong independently released Stronghold II through his Blarritt Records label (catalog 1310), marking his return to recording after a two-decade hiatus. This 12-track effort blended soul, funk, and covers like "I Wish It Would Rain" (The Temptations) and "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (Procol Harum), featuring guest vocals from Eliza Neals on "More Than I Am." Self-produced and eclectic in scope, it was primarily distributed digitally and via limited physical copies, receiving praise for its personal touch but minimal mainstream exposure.

Notable singles

Barrett Strong's debut single, "Money (That's What I Want)," released in 1959 on Tamla Records with "Oh I Apologize" as the B-side, marked the first major hit for the fledgling label and established Strong as an early pioneer in . The track, a raw R&B anthem driven by Strong's energetic vocals and piano , peaked at number 2 on the R&B chart and number 23 on the Hot 100, providing crucial financial backing for Berry Gordy's operations. Its cultural impact endured through covers by artists like and , cementing its status as a rock 'n' roll standard, while the B-side "Oh I Apologize" offered a contrasting that highlighted Strong's versatile but received less attention. In 1960, Strong followed with "Yes, No, Maybe So" b/w "You Knows What to Do" on Anna Records, a sister label to Tamla, which achieved minor traction on the R&B charts amid the competitive early era but failed to replicate "Money's" crossover success. This uptempo soul number, co-written by Strong, showcased his songwriting prowess alongside his performing role, though it stalled due to limited promotion. Throughout the , Strong issued several minor releases on Tamla and other labels, including "Whirlwind" b/w "I'm Gonna Cry (If You Quit Me)" in 1960 and "Misery" in 1961, which bubbled under the charts and reflected his shift toward more introspective soul arrangements without achieving significant commercial breakthroughs. Strong's 1970s output as a performer revived interest in his solo career, beginning with "Stand Up and Cheer for the Preacher" in 1973 on , a funky, gospel-infused that earned moderate in circles for its upbeat energy and undertones but did not chart nationally. By 1975, on ' Stronghold album, he released "Is It True," a smooth mid-tempo single that garnered steady R&B radio play and underscored his enduring vocal maturity, though it too evaded major chart placement. In his later years, Strong founded Blarritt Records in 1995, releasing independent singles that emphasized his roots in music, such as the 1997 CD single "Cold Hearted Woman," which revisited classic themes with a modern twist and served as a vehicle for mentoring emerging artists, though it remained a niche release outside mainstream charts.

References

  1. [1]
    Barrett Strong | Motown Museum
    The voice behind Motown's first hit, “Money (That's What I Want),” was Barrett Strong. Through his sister's friend, Jackie Wilson, Barrett Strong was able ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    Barrett Strong: Motown trailblazer and hitmaker, dies at 81 - BBC
    Jan 30, 2023 · Barrett Strong, a pivotal figure in the history of Motown Records, has died at the age of 81. He sang the label's first major hit, Money (That' ...
  3. [3]
    Barrett Strong obituary | Pop and rock | The Guardian
    Jan 31, 2023 · Motown singer and songwriter whose hits included I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Papa Was a Rolling Stone and Money.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Barrett Strong (1941- ) | BlackPast.org
    Sep 1, 2021 · Legendary composer Barrett Strong, Jr. was born on February 5, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, to Barrett Strong Sr. and Cloteal Gladney ...
  5. [5]
    Barrett Strong, the Motown artist known for 'Money,' dies at 81 - NPR
    Jan 30, 2023 · His death was announced Sunday on social media by the Motown Museum ... Strong was born in West Point, Mississippi and moved to Detroit a few ...
  6. [6]
    Barrett Strong, one of Motown's founding artists and known ... - KUTX
    Jan 31, 2023 · Strong was born in West Point, Mississippi and moved to Detroit a few years later. He was a self-taught musician who learned piano without ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  7. [7]
    Barrett Strong | Classic Motown Artists
    Born February 5, 1941 in West Point, Mississippi, Barrett is raised in Detroit and gravitates towards music, learning to sing and play piano. Talent runs in ...
  8. [8]
    Barrett Strong: The Man Who Made Motown 'Money' And Much More
    Born on February 5, 1941, Barrett Strong was Motown's first hitmaker and later co-writer of some of its most fabulous and timeless hits.
  9. [9]
    Barrett Strong | Songwriters Hall of Fame
    Born in West Point, Mississippi in 1941, singer/composer Barrett Strong was a pivotal figure in Motown's formative years, and is perhaps best known for his ...
  10. [10]
    Barrett Strong, Motown Performer and Songwriter, Dies at 81
    Barrett Strong died Saturday, January 28, at the age of 81 in Detroit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and Motown ...
  11. [11]
    Vera M. Cole - Obituary - Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home
    Aug 28, 2020 · ... siblings, Carolyn Ward, Ester Tyson and Barrett Strong Jr. Sadly, Vera was preceded in death by her sister, Lessie Perry; and a host of ...
  12. [12]
    Barrett Strong, Songwriter and Singer born - African American Registry
    Barrett Strong died at his home in San Diego, California, on January 28, 2023, aged 81.
  13. [13]
    Barrett Strong, Motown stalwart who sang 'Money,' dies at 81
    Jan 30, 2023 · was born Feb. 5, 1941, in West Point, Miss., the only son of six children. He was 4 when the family moved to Detroit, and his father, a minister ...Missing: occupation | Show results with:occupation
  14. [14]
    Barrett Strong, Whose 'Money' Helped Launch Motown, Dies at 81
    Jan 30, 2023 · Young Barrett played with his sisters' gospel group, the Strong Sisters. “My sisters were very pretty girls,” he told Los Angeles Weekly in ...Missing: siblings | Show results with:siblings
  15. [15]
    Famed Motown songwriter Barrett Strong was prolific artist, father ...
    Jan 31, 2023 · Barrett Strong died Sunday at the age of 81. He was one of the first artists to sign to Motown Records when the company formed in 1959. The ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  16. [16]
    Barrett Strong: the Motown hitmaker was modest almost to a fault
    Jan 31, 2023 · Born in West Point, Mississippi in 1941, Strong moved with his family to Detroit after the end of the war and played piano in his sisters ...
  17. [17]
    Barrett Strong Interview - 1999 | Motown Forever - A Tribute To The ...
    Dec 11, 2005 · Born on February 5, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, Barrett Strong moved to Detroit at age 5. He began his career playing piano and ...
  18. [18]
    Motown hitmaker Barrett Strong to be honored for career greatness
    Oct 13, 2016 · The son of a Uniroyal plant worker and a housewife, Strong grew up on Detroit's west side and attended Central High School. He sang in a ...
  19. [19]
    Detroit Rock City: A History Of Motor City Music - uDiscover Music
    A history of Detroit music is wider-ranging than almost any other city's. Everything from blues to soul and techno calls Motor City home.
  20. [20]
    Barrett Strong "Money (That's What I Want)" | Classic Motown
    “Money (That's What I Want)” was released as a Tamla single in August of '59. The local reaction was so strong that Gordy opted to lease the track to his ...
  21. [21]
    For a Classic Motown Song About Money, Credit Is What He Wants
    Aug 31, 2013 · The songwriter Barrett Strong has had his name struck from copyright documents for “Money (That's What I Want),” Motown's first national ...
  22. [22]
    The 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time | Rolling Stone
    Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Barrett Strong sang Motown's first big hit, 1959's "Money (That's What I Want)," but ...
  23. [23]
    Barrett Strong, 'Money' Singer and Motown Songwriter, Dies at 81
    Jan 29, 2023 · The father of six and grandfather of 13 noted, “I had to work to support my family. ... No cause of death has been revealed for Strong. Funeral ...
  24. [24]
    500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004) - Rolling Stone
    Dec 11, 2003 · Writers: Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield Producer: Whitfield Released: Oct. '68, Tamla 15 weeks; No. 1. Motown producer Whitfield ... Hit (Motown).
  25. [25]
    The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time - Rolling Stone
    Feb 16, 2024 · The Temptations, 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone'. 1972. Writer(s):Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong ... Motown production assembly line continued to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    'Money' Singer and Temptations Songwriter Barrett Strong, Motown's ...
    He left the Motown operation in 1971 when the company shifted its base of operations to Los Angeles. He continued writing and recording into the 1980s, but met ...
  27. [27]
    Soul Serenade: Barrett Strong, “Money (That's What I Want ...
    Motown left its Detroit home for Los Angeles in 1972. ... Strong signed with Epic Records that year, and ... Anna Gordy, Anna Records, Barrett Strong, Berry ...
  28. [28]
    https://bestclassicbands.com/barrett-strong-obituary-motown-1-29-23/
  29. [29]
    https://popdose.com/soul-serenade-barrett-strong-money/
  30. [30]
    Stronghold - Barrett Strong | Album | AllMusic
    Rating 7.1/10 (7) Stronghold by Barrett Strong released in 1975. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  31. [31]
    1975 Barrett Strong – Stronghold - Sessiondays
    Stronghold is the first solo album by Barrett Strong, released in 1975. Barrett Strong (born February 5, 1941) is an American singer and songwriter.
  32. [32]
    Stronghold by Barrett Strong (Album; Capitol - Rate Your Music
    Rating 2.9 (7) · 30-day returnsStronghold, an Album by Barrett Strong. Released in 1975 on Capitol (catalog no. ST-11376; Vinyl LP). Genres: Soul. Featured peformers: Barrett Strong ...
  33. [33]
    Barrett Strong
    **Summary of Studio Albums by Barrett Strong:**
  34. [34]
    Live & Love - Barrett Strong | Album - AllMusic
    Rating 7.3/10 (3) Live & Love by Barrett Strong released in 1976. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  35. [35]
    Barrett Strong - 1976 - Live & Love Free Download | Funk My Soul
    Free Download "Barrett Strong - 1976 - Live & Love" Album. Tell us what you think and what you know about the album and the artist.
  36. [36]
    Live & Love (LP, Vinyl record album) - Barrett Strong - Dusty Groove
    Rating 5.0 (1) · 2-day deliveryA surprisingly great album of modern soul tracks from this old Motown singer! Barrett arranged, produced, and wrote most of the tracks on this second album for ...
  37. [37]
    Barrett Strong, songwriter who penned the lyrics of Motown classics ...
    Jan 30, 2023 · When he was five his family moved to Detroit, where his father worked at the Uniroyal plant. As a teenager he taught himself to play the piano, ...<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Barrett Strong - Detroit Music Awards
    Now taking on the roles of artistic mentor, producer and talent scout, he is the founder of Blarritt Records and the promoter of the Boomtown Sound.
  39. [39]
    Motown Records: The Rise and Fall of Hitsville USA - Trapital
    Jul 13, 2023 · The post-disco era was challenging for Black musicians, and Motown felt that. In 1988, Gordy sold Motown Records to MCA for $61 million. He ...
  40. [40]
    https://www.detroitmusicawards.com/distinguished.html
  41. [41]
    "An Evening with Barrett Strong" HardRock Cafe Detroit Motown
    May 10, 2012 · ... song and music video "Misery" http://youtu.be/xUmqlxZtTWs which set the ground work for Eliza's break-thru blues/rock 2012 album "messin ...Missing: influences gospel R&B scene
  42. [42]
    Barrett Strong, “Money” Singer Who Wrote Motown Hits Including “I ...
    Jan 29, 2023 · Barrett Strong is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 L.
  43. [43]
    Detroit funeral arrangements set for Motown's late Barrett Strong
    Feb 22, 2023 · A funeral will take place at 11 am March 4 at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile in Detroit, with interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
  44. [44]
    Motown At 60...A Legacy To Be Remembered - Black History Month
    May 20, 2019 · Meanwhile, Barrett Strong's Motown recording of still another Gordy song, “Money ... royalties gave Motown a cash influx of extraordinary ...
  45. [45]
    Covers of Money (That's What I Want) by Barrett Strong - WhoSampled
    Covered in 56 songs ; The Beatles's Money (That's What I Want) · Money (That's What I Want) · The Beatles, 1963, Rock / Pop ; The Rolling Stones's Money · Money ...
  46. [46]
    War by Edwin Starr - Songfacts
    It just happened to coincide with the war in Vietnam." Motown hitmakers Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote this song, and Whitfield produced it. Edwin ...
  47. [47]
    'Masterpiece': Norman Whitfield And The Temptations Aim High In ...
    The closing “Hurry Tomorrow” turns the psychedelic element up to double rainbow, with Damon Harris gently singing of a room with no floor – it's acid trip ...
  48. [48]
    https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/masterpiece-temptations-norman-whitfield/
  49. [49]
    Barrett Strong - Stronghold
    - **Tracklist:**
  50. [50]
    Discography and Biography of Barrett Strong. Listen to all their hits.
    record label: Capitol 4052 chart position: RandB #41 written by: Barrett Strong album: Stronghold, Barrett Strong, Is It True ; record label: ...
  51. [51]
    https://app.soulyears.com/rnb-chart_position-artist-Barrett%2BStrong.htm
  52. [52]
    Love Is You - Barrett Strong | Album - AllMusic
    Love Is You by Barrett Strong released in 1980. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  53. [53]
    Stronghold II - Album by Barrett Strong - Apple Music
    Jan 1, 1975 · 1. I Wish It Would Rain · 4:48 ; 2. More Than I Am (feat. Eliza Neals) · 5:19 ; 3. Whiter Shade of Pale · 4:59 ; 4. In My Dreams · 4:46 ; 5. Baby Let Go.Missing: 2001 | Show results with:2001<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    https://www.allmusic.com/album/love-is-you-mw0003917163
  55. [55]
    30. Barrett Strong: “Yes, No, Maybe So” | Motown Junkies
    Oct 8, 2009 · 30. Barrett Strong: “Yes, No, Maybe So”. Tamla T 54029 (A), July 1960.
  56. [56]
    Barrett Strong Top Songs - Greatest Hits and Chart Singles ...
    Jan 28, 2023 · Barrett Strong Top Songs - Greatest Hits and Chart Singles Discography - #1: Money (That's What I Want) - #2: Is It True - #3: Stand Up and ...
  57. [57]
    https://motownjunkies.co.uk/2009/10/08/30/