Analyzing the Musicality of Motown: An Overview

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It was a few years in the past that Barrett Strong, a singer back then, released the now widely-recognized Motown popular “Money (That’s the Song I’m Looking For).” The singer didn’t he know then that this song would come to represent his contributions as writer to immortality in music. Together with collaborators, such as the late Norman Whitfield, some of Motown’s most enduring hits have been written. Among them are “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” for Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips, “War” for Edwin Starr and “Smiling Faces Sometime” in the form of the Undisputed Truth.

The vast collection in The Temptations material, including “I Wish it Would Rain,””Just My Imagination,”” as well as “Cloud Nine” was the reason he won a Grammy Award. This allowed Strong to effortlessly transition from performer into songwriter. Strong as a father and grandfather of six children, admitted that he did not feel at ease when he was a recording artist. I’m not looking for the spotlight , all the glamorous things that go with it. It’s just me who likes to be in my studio , and watch what takes place.

In a press release issued on Sunday, Motown Founder Berry Gordy Jr. expressed regret over the passing of Barrett Strong, an early musician from Motown whose partnership alongside Norman Whitfield created an impressive collection of music that is primarily attributable to “The Temptations”. Gordy described Strong as “shy” and expressed his appreciation for his performance on the piano and his vocal capabilities along with their pioneering collaboration. Their music was a reflection on the times and he said.

Being a longtime member in the Motown Family, Barrett Strong will be deeply missed. Strong earned the Grammy Award in addition to his Grammy Award. He was additionally awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Songwriters and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. BMI was also involved in a concert dedicated to Strong’s memory in order to highlight his legacy. Born in Detroit, he was on the West Side and the son of a Uniroyal housewife and a worker. Being a part of a gospel band and a gospel choir, he performed with the four sisters. Strong as well as his band made regularly appearances on the church circuit.

When they arrived in the town, it was Wilson who introduced Gordy to the Strongs during . The two formed an instant friendship, as Strong frequently walked over to Gordy’s abode on the east city’s west side to talk about songs ideas. As recalled by Strong, they would all sit around the piano and sing and play upon every visit. One day, Gordy notified him that He was impressed by his talent and proclaimed that he would like to collaborate with him. Their first collaborative effort resulted an album titled “Let’s Rock”/ “Do the Very Best you Can”, which received local airplay but failed to create a lasting impression nationally.

Janie And Gordy Bradford wrote the smash song “Money” (That’s what I want). It became a Billboard Hot Top Hit and No. in the R&B charts. It is later covered by The Beatles and , in the late s by the avant-garde band The Flying Lizards. There are three stories about the origin of this song. In his memoir To Be Loved, Berry claims that “shy” Strong – who was also instrumental on the piano and vocals to the track – was present at the recording “uninvited”. Contrary to what is reported, Bradford claims that Gordy welcomed Strong to the space and asked for him to “give me something” which led to the piano opening melody.

In Summary

The inspiring collaboration between Berry Gordy with Roquel “Billy” Strong resulted in Motown Music, many hits from musicians like The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. Gordy recognized the potential of Strong and welcomed him into his fold. This led to strong relations that were successful due to their numerous successes. The first single they released, “Let’s Rock”/”Do the Very Best You can”, is often overshadowed by their later successes, but it was this earlier song that initiated the path to Motown Music.

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