Examining the Lyricism of Motown: A Look into the Writing Style of Iconic Songwriters

Barrett Strong was a singer in the release of “Money” (That’s the variety of factor I’m Looking For) in the year 1981. It was not clear that the observe would ultimately become his contribution to the songwritership of music. With collaborators such as the late Norman Whitfield, some of Motown’s greatest hits have been created, such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” for Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips, “War” for Edwin Starr and “Smiling Faces Sometimes” from the Undisputed Truth

. An huge catalog of songs from The Temptations such as “I wish it Would Rain,” “Just My Imagination,” “Cloud Nine,” “Psychedelic Shack” and “Papa was a Rolling Stone,”” that earned Strong a Grammy Award, saw him transfer from performing to being a songwriter with ease. In the interview, Strong informed Billboard: “I never felt secure being a recording artist” with the father of six and grandfather of six going on to become a governor “I was forced to work in order to support my household. I’m not seeking for fame and glamorous things that go with it. It’s just me who likes to be in my studio and observe what transpires

. In a statement launched on Sunday, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. expressed regret over the passing of Barrett Strong, an early musician from Motown and whose collaboration together with Norman Whitfield created an striking choice of original music, primarily attributed to “The Temptations”. Describing Strong being “shy” within his autobiography “To Be In Love”, Gordy counseled the artist’s vocal and piano performance as good as the revolutionary music they created by means of their collaboration. He concluded that their songs are a reflection of their age

. As a longstanding member of the Motown Family, Barrett Strong is going to be greatly missed. Apart from the Grammy Award, Strong was awarded an Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Songwriters in and additionally was awarded the privilege of an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in . BMI was additionally concerned in a concert dedicated to Strong’s reminiscence to celebrate his accomplishments. Born on Detroit’s West Side and the son of a housewife and Uniroyal employee. When he was a member of a gospel ensemble and a gospel choir, he done with his four sisters. They toured with the local churches, in which Strong established relationships with music legends like Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke

. Wilson was the person who introduced Gordy and the Strongs to one another upon their arrival in town. The two shaped an instantaneous friendship as Strong usually visited Gordy’s abode on the east city’s west part to speak about song recommendations. Strong remembers how they would all sit round the piano, sing and play on each occasion. One day, Gordy notified him that He was impressed by his talent and declared that he wished to work with his talent. Their first collaboration resulted in an original song titled “Let’s rock” or “Do the Very Best you Canthat bought local airplay, however failed to achieve a great impression nationally

. Janie And Gordy Bradford wrote the traditional song “Money” (That’s the variety of factor I want). It grew to become a Billboard Hot Top Hit and It was additionally a no. on the R&B charts. It is later lined by the Beatles and in the course of the s by the avant-garde band The Flying Lizards. Regarding its origin the observe has three distinct variants. Berry asserts the declare that “shy Strong” – who supplied vocal accompaniment and piano accompaniment for the observe – was not invited to the recording session, as he recounts in his memoir To Be Loved. Contrary to what is reported, Bradford claims that Gordy welcomed Strong to the house and requested Strong to “give me something” leading to the first piano tune

. In Summary

The conclusion is that Berry Gordy as good as Roquel “Billy” Strong’s partnership was an inspirational journey that ultimately led to the creation of Motown Music and numerous hits from artists like the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. Gordy recognized the potential of Strong and was keen to take him under his wing. This led to strong relationships that have been fruitful due to their many successes. Their debut single, “Let’s Rock”/”Do the Very Best You Are able to”, is usually overshadowed by their later successes But it was that early song that began the path to Motown Music

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This article is contributed by Guestomatic.

Jasper James
Jasper James
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