Barrett Strong

by Ron WynnA pivotal figure in Motowns formative years, singer/composer Barrett Strong was a key associate and friend of Berry Gordy. It was his hit Money (Thats What I Want) for Anna Records in 1960 that provided vital capital for Gordy to expand his operation. The song gave Strong his only major hit as a vocalist, reaching number two on the R&B charts and barely missing the pop Top 20. During the late 60s and early 70s, Strong collaborated with Norman Whitfield on some historic songs that included Marvin Gayes I Heard It Through the Grapevine and Too Busy Thinking About My Baby, the Temptations Papa Was a Rolling Stone and Ball of Confusion, Edwin Starrs War, and Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me for Gladys Knight & the Pips, which he also co-wrote. Strong left Motown when the label moved to Los Angeles in 1972, and he signed with Epic. After one failed single, Strong moved to Capitol, where he had the LP Stronghold released in 1975 and later Live & Love in 1976. Though it wasnt a hit, his song Man up in the Sky was a 70s soul gem. Johnny Bristol later re-recorded it. Strong continued into the 80s, recording Rock It Easy for an independent label and writing and arranging You Can Depend on Me, which was included on the Dells The Second Time LP in 1988.