Norman Whitfield 1941 - 2008

Norman Jesse Whitfield (May 12, 1941- September 16, 2008) was an American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Berry Gordy's Motown label during the 1960s.[1] He was credited as being one of the creators of the Motown Sound, as well as one of the major instrumental figures in the late-60s sub-genre of psychedelic soul.

Of the hit singles Whitfield produced in his 25-year career included "I Heard It through the Grapevine", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "Cloud Nine", "War", "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and "Car Wash". Alongside his Motown lyrical collaborator Barrett Strong, he was inducted to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2004.[2]


During his last months alive, Whitfield stayed bedded at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he underwent treatment for his bout with diabetes and other ailments. Within a few weeks before his death, Whitfield fell into a coma, which he eventually recovered from[3]. According to The Undisputed Truth leader Joe Harris, Whitfield died on September 16, 2008 at approximately 3:30 pm.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• berry
• gordy
• motown
• norman
• whitfield
• the
• temptations
• tamla
• detroit

[HippieNiecey]

Geez ....I'm just now finding out about this from searching for old music. What happened to Norman? I mean what killed him? This is very sad news. We are losing all of our good singers one by one. Minnie Riperton, Phyllis Hyman, Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Issac Hayes, need I go on? How sad. Thanks for this tribute!

[hitsville4ever]

he had diabetes & other health problems.

[wesmotown]

WHO IS THAT IN THE WHEELCHAIR?

[hitsville4ever]

thats me

[Redcar43]

Without you and Smokey Robinson Motown's music wouldn't be. Thanks Norman may you RIP!!!

[wh0m33]

While we're giving "Whit" his due props, let's not forget that Barrett Strong wrote the lyrics to the majority of Whitfield's hit's. Especially those written for the Temps. They were a song writing duo, Norm wrote the music, Barrett wrote the lyrics.

[Juniversal]

@MOREHOUSE80...his most famous song was Money (That's All I Want). Its a great song btw... If you don't know that song i'm not surprised you never heard of him because I guess you could say he was a one hit wonder when it comes to songs and he had a more lucrative writing career.

[MOREHOUSE80]

I am sorry to say I never heard of Barrett Strong, THANKS.

[SlickFunker]

@wh0m33

Good call.

Barrett Strong rarely get's the credit he deserves for writing fantastic lyrics.

Probably because Norman Whitfield was an out and out genius, and people all concentrated on him.

[gladyswow]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx tra gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­ooooooooooood

[MUSICENCYLOPEDIA]

@gotagetchaa1 I 2004 he was found guilty of non payment of taxes so he was placed on house arrest for a year. He did have some money

[MegaCrowman]

R.I.P norman thank you for the memories

[ButterflyQueene07]

@hitsville4ever - Oh, that sucks! :(

[Treaty4]

Amazing song writer-end of story.

[kittytr99]

I think he had some dough.  Though I am not sure.

[BryanEddy09]

i was 12 when i first heard "smiling faces".me a white dude from NJ.i just knew that stuff was the best !so this week i did a little version here at youtube,and made sure to give props to misters W and S,and never knew about mr strong,then just now i dropped another song of my own ,based on my love for the song "money" then i find out mr S was part of both!!

then i heard the new stronghold stuff and its amazing !!GOD BLESS YOU MR S and carry on!!carry on carryt on!