RIP Norman Whitfield (motown producer)

Motown songwriter & producer dies at 65

The legendary Motown producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield died in Los Angeles on Monday at age 65. Best known for his visionary work with the The Temptations in the late ’60s, Whitfield was responsible for the band’s landmark 1973 album Masterpiece. He also co-wrote such songs as “Ball of Confusion” and “Cloud Nine,” which re-established the group as a musically adventurous and politically conscious ensemble.

Quoted Text

Norman Jesse Whitfield was an American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Berry Gordy's Motown label during the 1960s. He is 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.

Whitfield died on September 16, 2008 after a long bout with diabetes, among other illnesses. Before his death, he had recently emerged from a coma

this is just crazy, everytime i turn around, yet another one of the greats is lost to us.