American singer Barrett Strong , one of the most prominent names of the “Motown” production company, for which the late author wrote some of its most famous songs, has passed away at the age of 81, according to what the “Motown” Museum announced last Sunday.
We are heartbroken to announce the unfortunate and untimely passing of Barrett Strong, the renowned Motown singer and songwriter. Our condolences go out from all of us at Detroit-based museum.
The Mississippi-born American singer made a huge impact on music history with the release of his song Money in 1959, which was produced by Motown Records. This record label drove the evolution of genres like soul and blues throughout America’s motor city.
Along with Norman Whitfield, another Motown Records composer, Strong co-wrote a number of hits, including “I Hurd It Through the Grapevine” and “Just My Imagination”.
According to the esteemed Billboard magazine, Motown founder Berry Gordy praised Strong and Norman Whitfield’s compositions as “revolutionary,” noting that they truly captured the essence of their era. He further added that these songs left a lasting impression on music generations to come.
