Barrett Strong

Barrett Strong (born February 5, 1941) was an influential American singer and songwriter, best known for his work in the genres of Motown and R&B. He gained prominence in the 1960s as one of the first artists to record for the Motown label, where he had a major hit with the song "Money (That's What I Want)" in 1959, which became a classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles and Flying Lizards. Strong's songwriting prowess emerged as he collaborated with legendary producers like Norman Whitfield, contributing to iconic tracks such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," which were hits for Marvin Gaye and The Temptations, respectively. His work helped define the Motown sound and laid the groundwork for future R&B music. Strong's impact on music is profound; he not only shaped the Motown era but also influenced the development of soul and funk music. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing his significant contributions to the craft. Barrett Strong passed away on January 29, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.