Barrett Strong was a singer at the time he debuted “Money” (That’s the kind of thing I want) in the year 1981. He didn’t realize that this song would be the foundational piece of music songwritership. The greatest Motown hits include “I heard it through the Grapevine” as well as Gladys Knight & the Pips. “War” was written by Edwin Starr, and “Smiling Faces Sometime.” They were written by collaborators such as Norman Whitfield.
The vast collection that includes The Temptations material, including “I I Wish It Would Rain,””Just My Imagination,”” as well as “Cloud Nine” which earned him the Grammy Award. This allowed Strong to effortlessly change from a performer to a songwriter. Strong is a father of six and grandpa of six, said that he was never comfortable as a recording musician. The attention, the spotlight and attention that I receive are not my thing. I’m just doing the things I enjoy when working in my studio.
Berry Gordy Jr., Motown’s creator, issued an announcement on Sunday, where he expressed his sorrow for the loss of Barrett Strong. Strong was one of the first Motown artist , whose collaboration as well as music was largely attributable to Norman Whitfield. Gordy said that Strong as being “shy” and also praised his piano and vocal abilities and their groundbreaking collaboration. The hits they recorded were reflections of their time that he referred to as the “shy.
Barrett Strong, a Motown Family participant for many years and will be missed by many. Strong was awarded an Grammy Award in addition to his Grammy Award. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Songwriters and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. BMI has also arranged an event dedicated to Strong’s memory to honor his contribution. Born on Detroit’s West Side and the son of a housewife and Uniroyal employee. Being a part of a gospel group that he was a part of, he played with four of his sisters. Strong and his group made frequent appearances in the church circuit.
Wilson was the person who introduced Gordy as well as the Strongs to one another upon their arrival in town. The two quickly became close friends, and Strong frequently walked to the house of Gordy in the east to discuss song ideas. Strong remembers how they would all sit at the piano to singing and playing on any occasion. Gordy told him one day that he was awed by his talent and that he’d take on anything. The first time they collaborated, it resulted in the single “Let’s Rock”/ “Do the Best You Canthat was played on local radio, but did not manage to have a major impact in the country scene.
Janie as well as Gordy Bradford wrote the smash track “Money” (That’s the kind of thing I want). The song was an Billboard Hot Top Hit and it was a No. The song was originally recorded by Janie Bradford and Gordy in the R&B chart. The song was later performed by The Beatles and also by avant-garde group The Flying Lizards. Three stories are told about the song’s origins. Berry states the claim that “shy Strong” – who played the piano and vocal accompaniment for the track – was not invited to the recording session, as he recounts in his memoir To Be Loved. Bradford asserts the contrary. He claims that Gordy requested Strong to join the studio and “give me a little” and that led to the piano tune.
In summation
The inspiring collaboration between Berry Gordy with Roquel “Billy” Strong eventually led to Motown Music, many hits by artists such as The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. Gordy recognized the potential of Strong and welcomed him into his fold. It led to solid friendships that proved fruitful thanks to their many successes. While their debut single “Let’s Rock”/’Do the Best you can” can be overlooked in the success that followed It was the song that set the stage for Motown Music.
