Barrett Strong one of Motown’s founding artists and most gifted songwriters who sang lead on company’s breakthrough single ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ and later collaborated with Norman Whitfield on such classics as ‘I Heard It Through Grapevine,’ ‘War’ and ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ has died. He was 81.

His death was announced on social media by Motown Museum, which did not immediately provide further details. “Barrett was not only great singer and piano player, but he along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield created an incredible body of work,” Motown founder Berry Gordy said in statement.

Strong had yet to turn 20 when he agreed to let his friend Gordy, in early days of building recording empire in Detroit, manage him and release his music. Within year, he was part of history as piano player and vocalist for ‘Money,’ a million-seller released early in 1960 and Motown’s first major hit. Strong never again approached success of ‘Money’ on his own and decades later fought for acknowledgement that he helped write it. But, with Whitfield, he formed productive and eclectic songwriting team. Whitfield-Strong’s other hits, mostly for Temptations, included ‘I Can’t Get Next to You,’ ‘That’s Way Love Is’ and Grammy-winning chart-topper ‘Papa Was Rollin’ Stone’.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 31 2023

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