Barrett Strong: Motown trailblazer and hitmaker, dies at 81

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: BBC

Barrett Strong: Motown trailblazer and hitmaker, dies at 81

Published
1 hour ago

By Mark Savage
BBC Music Correspondent

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's What I Want), in 1959, and went on to co-write classic songs like I Heard It Through the Grapevine, War and Papa Was a Rollin' Stone.

Those hits were "revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times", Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a written tribute to the musician.

No cause of death has been disclosed.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64450921

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R.I.P. BARRETT STRONG 1960 HITS ARCHIVE: Money (That’s What I Want) - Barrett Strong

The45Prof
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22,986 views Sep 3, 2019
Money (That’s What I Want) (Bradford-Gordy) by Barrett Strong

Classic rock/R&B tune was one of the first successful hits released on one of the labels owned by future Motown mogul Berry Gordy, Jr. Actually TWO labels, as “Money” was also issued on Tamla.

THE 1960 HITS ARCHIVE - here in one place, a good-quality library of original-release-version best-sellers and songs that made an impact that were either released or enjoyed a major chunk of their popularity within the calendar year 1960 (some were recorded in 1959).

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[Hugh_Lebowski]

1. Also co-wrote (with songwriting partner Whitfield) Ball of Confusion and Just My Imagination

among many others. They were a legendary team.

Thanks for the tunes, and Godspeed, Mr. Strong.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. Always loved "Just my Imagination"

It was one of those soothing ethereal songs of the early '70s (invoking the characteristic ballad sound of fellow Motown writer/singer/group Smokey Robinson and the Miracles). In fact I saw Smokey literally announced this past week, a new album to come.

[FailureToCommunicate]

2. R.I.P. B. Strong. You created the soundtrack of our young lives.

[progressoid]

3. ...

[world wide wally]

5. Peace

[MissMillie]

6. "papa was a rolling stone"

not exactly a happy song, but the groove to it made me want to dance.

RIP, Mr. Strong.