Barrett Strong was a singer at the time he debuted “Money” (That’s what I’m Looking For) in the year 1981. It was not clear that this song would be his contribution to the songwritership of music. A few of Motown’s most memorable hits include “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and Gladys Knight & the Pips. “War” in honor of Edwin Starr, and “Smiling Faces Sometimes.” They were written by collaborators such as Norman Whitfield.
Strong’s huge catalog from The Temptations material, including “I wish it Would Rain,””Just My Imagination,”” as well as “Cloud Nine” that earned him the Grammy Award. This allowed him to smoothly change from a performer to a songwriter. In , Strong said to Billboard: “I never felt comfortable with myself as a singer-songwriter,” and as the father of six and the grandfather who went on to be a president “I needed to be a musician to support my family. The thing is, I don’t want attention and glamour and stuff like that. It’s just me and what I love when working in my studio.
Berry Gordy Jr., the Motown founder, issued his statement this Sunday in which he expressed sadness for the loss of Barrett Strong. Strong was an early Motown artist whose partnership and music were mostly due to Norman Whitfield. Gordy described Strong as being “shy” and also praised his vocal performance and pianistic abilities in addition to their revolutionary collaboration. Gordy concluded that the hits were reflective of their era.
Barrett Strong, a Motown Family part-time member for many years and will be missed by many. As well as his Grammy Award, Strong was duly recognized with an Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Songwriters in and also was awarded the privilege of being inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in . Further demonstrating his legacy, BMI created a special concert in in his name. He was born on Detroit’s West Side and the son of Uniroyal worker and housewife. As a member of a gospel choir and a gospel choir, he performed with his four sisters. Strong and his group made regular appearances on the church circuit.
Wilson was the person to introduce Gordy and the Strongs to one another upon their arrival in the city. The two quickly became close friends, and Strong frequently walked into Gordy’s home in the east to talk about song ideas. Based on the stories of Strong The two used to meet around the piano, and be entertained and singing on each visit. Gordy informed him one day that he was awed by his talents and said that he’d be willing to take on anything. The band’s first venture resulted an original song titled “Let’s rock” or “Do the Very Best you CanIt was played on local radio, but did not manage to create a lasting impression across the nation.
Gordy along with Janie Bradford co-wrote the tune “Money (That’s What I Want)”, which turned out to be a Top chart hit on Billboard Hot and No. It was initially recorded by Janie Bradford and Gordy on the R&B chart. It was later performed by The Beatles along with avant-garde music group The Flying Lizards. As to the source of its inspiration There are three possible tales. In his memoir To Be Loved, Berry claims that “shy” Strong – who also played the piano, and also singing to the track was present at the recording “uninvited”. Contrary to what is reported, Bradford claims that Gordy welcomed Strong to the space and requested him to “give me something”, resulting in the piano opening melody.
In summation
The conclusion is that Berry Gordy along with Roquel “Billy” Strong’s collaboration has been an inspiring one that led eventually to the formation of Motown Music and countless hits from artists like the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes. Gordy recognized the potential of Strong and took him under his wing. It led to solid relations that were successful due to their numerous successes. The first single they released, “Let’s Rock”/”Do the Very best You Are able to” is frequently obliterated by the success of their subsequent albums But it was that earlier song that initiated the journey towards Motown Music.