Barrett Strong, hitmaker and Motown pioneer, dies at 81

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Singer gave voice to the label’s first hit, “Money (That’s what I want)”. The cause of death has not been reported. Barrett Strong in picture taken June 10, 2004 Louis Lanzano/AP/Archive Barrett Strong, pioneering Motown artist, has died at age 81. The announcement was made by the Motown Museum’s social networks on Sunday night (29). The cause of death has not been reported. Strong sang the label’s first hit, “Money (That’s What I Want)”, in 1959. He also co-wrote, with Norman Whitfield, other Motown hits, such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” for Marvin Gaye, “War” for Edwin Starr, and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” for the Temptations, a song for which he shared a Grammy Award. Barrett Strong, singer of the song “Money (That’s what I want)” Playback/Twitter/Motown Museum “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the legendary @ClassicMotown singer-songwriter Barrett Strong. the iconic “Money (That’s What I Want)”, was born in West Point, Mississippi, on February 5, 1941 and was raised in Detroit”, says the statement. In a statement sent to BBC News, Berry Gordy says Strong’s hits were “revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the age.” “Not only was Barrett a great singer and pianist, but he, along with his songwriting partner Norman Whitfield, created some incredible work. Barrett is an original member of the Motown Family and we will all miss him.” “Barrett left his indelible mark … on music history,” Temptations founder Otis Williams said in a statement. “Our Motown family has lost a beloved brother and an extraordinary songwriter.”

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