Caffe` Latte` presents…
THE 200
MOST ESSENTIAL
MOTOWN
SONGS
THE MOTOWN SOUND:
THE WRITER/PRODUCERS
Pt.4- The Golden Years
Motown
Records was a constant presence on the pop chart throughout the 1960s
and continued beyond that golden era with a roster that boasted an
abundance of talent. Along with its flagship acts, the label attracted
creative artists that played a key role in shaping the 'Motown Sound'.
The company was served well by a capable pool of songwriters and
producers. Some were key architects of Motown's success and crossover
appeal.
NORMAN WHITFIELD
Norman Whitfield's arrival on to the Detroit music scene was unplanned but led to encounters with the early seeds of what was to become the vocal group The Temptations. Berry Gordy's founding of the Motown label provided opportunities for not only countless performers, but also writers and producers. Whitfield gradually inserted himself at the label. Gordy eventually spotted his potential. In the early years, Whitfield co-wrote hits for the girl groups The Marvelettes ("Too Many Fish In The Sea") and The Velvelettes ("Needle In A Haystack") as well as Marvin Gaye ("Pride And Joy").
As a producer, Whitfield was daring. His creative vision is most evident on the tracks he produced for The Temptations. Many of these hits were composed with his regular collaborator Barrett Strong. These began with the US #1 "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and led to Whitfield steering The Temptations into psychedelic soul. He infused the group's recordings with a darker and grittier style of soul that was light years away from the polished fare usually associated with 'The Motown Sound'. With Whitfield at the helm, The Temptations scored with R&B classics such as "Cloud Nine", "I Wish It Would Rain", "I Can't Get Next To You", "Psychedelic Shack", "Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)", "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and the spectacular "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". 
Along with his work with The Temptations, Whitfield provided Motown with hits for the likes of Gladys Knight & The Pips ""Friendship Train"), The Undisputed Truth ("Smiling Faces Sometimes") and Edwin Starr ("War"). 
By far his greatest sonic achievement was the composition and production of a defining soul classic, Gaye's rendition of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". Gordy failed to see its potential, but Whitfield persevered and was ultimately vindicated with another #1 single. 
When the powerhouse trio of Holland/ Dozier/ Holland departed Motown, Whitfield (and Strong) filled most of the void.
In 1975, he too joined the exodus from Motown and formed his own label (Whitfield Records). One of the groups he recruited was Rose Royce. That R&B outfit achieved a US #1 with "Car Wash" in the following year.
Whitfield died due to diabetes and poor health,in 2008, aged 65. His extensive legacy lingers on.
Have
a
listen to the Introduction To Motown playlist on spotify. It includes
many of
the greats from the legendary record label, including: Diana Ross, The
Jackson 5, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Martha &
The Vandellas,
Mary Wells and The Miracles.
spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte
No comments:
Post a Comment