How did Barrett Strong die? Grammy-winning Motown singer who wrote hits like 'Money' and 'War' dies at 81
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: Motown singer and songwriter Barrett Strong died at the age of 81 in Detroit on Sunday, January 29. Strong was responsible for co-writing some of Motown’s biggest hits such as 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine', 'War', 'Smiling Faces Sometimes', 'Cloud Nine', and more. Strong has won a Grammy Award and was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Songwriters in 1990.
In a statement shared by Billboard, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr broke the news. He said, "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Barrett Strong, one of my earliest artists, and the man who sang my first big hit … Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times … Barrett is an original member of the Motown Family and will be missed by all of us." Strong's career was further legitimized after his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.
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How did Barrett Strong die?
The reason for his death was not announced. Strong told Billboard in 2016 that the transition from a performer to a songwriter was not tough and rather suited him well. He said, "I never felt comfortable with myself as a recording artist. I had to work to support my family. I’m not looking for the spotlight and all the glamour and stuff like that. I just like to work in my studio and see what we can come up with." Barrett Strong's singing days started early on as he sang in a gospel group with his four sisters. He was also famously known for writing tracks like 'I Wish It Would Rain', 'Just My Imagination', 'Psychedelic Shack', and 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'.
'Your music lives on'
Motown Musem tweeted, "Barrett’s prolific career and contributions as one of Motown’s top lyricists earned him induction into the @SongwritersHOF in 2004. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and Motown family and fans around the world." Another fan wrote, "And still the best version of Money. Rest in peace, Mr. Strong." One more fan said, "Beautifully referenced in @billybragg brilliant song Levi Stubb’s Tears. RIP Epic composer." One more fan wrote, "What a great legacy. Iconic music. May he RIP." Another fan said, "I sang a bit of every song mentioned in my head. R.I.P. Mr. Strong, your music lives on." One more fan remembered Strong and wrote, "RIP Barrett Strong. He helped put #Motown on the map and was responsible for some of the best songs that ever came out of #Detroit. #RIPBarrettStrong"
Barrett’s prolific career and contributions as one of Motown’s top lyricists earned him induction into the @SongwritersHOF in 2004.
— Motown Museum (@Motown_Museum) January 30, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and Motown family and fans around the world.
And still the best version of Money. Rest in peace, Mr. Strong.
— Marie Carnes ✌🌻 (@mariecarnes) January 30, 2023
🎵💜
Beautifully referenced in @billybragg brilliant song Levi Stubb’s Tears. RIP Epic composer.
— (((Dave))) (@popguynyc) January 30, 2023
I sang a bit of every song mentioned in my head. R.I.P. Mr. Strong, your music lives on.
— Marla Wolf text Elections to 644-33 (@MarlaWolf) January 30, 2023
RIP Barrett Strong. He helped put #Motown on the map and was responsible for some of the best songs that ever came out of #Detroit. #RIPBarrettStrong pic.twitter.com/Shf6wVtqkq
— Detroit Music Awards (@DetMusicAwards) January 29, 2023
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