[1] He also composed the theme song for the 1977 motion picture Which Way Is Up?, performed by Stargard. Rickey Smiley opens up about his son's death, talks addiction: 'He used Norman Whitfield, a Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and arranger for Motown Records whose many hits, including the signature song I Heard It Through the Grapevine, helped solidify the Motown sound in the 1960s and afterward, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The song was first sung by the Temptations and then reproduced for Motown featuring Edwin Starr as the vocalist. It absolutely called upon everything I thought I could do at that point. She was a 1993 graduate of Hubbard High School and obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio State University and a Master's Degree from UCLA. SecondHandSongs is building the most comprehensive source of cover song information. Mr. Whitfield joined Motown in the early 1960s, when he was not much more than 20. Miss Whitfield was born September 5, 1975 in Hollywood, a daughter of Norman Whitfield and Asari Graham. Survived by his daughter, Irasha; sons, Norman; Michael; Johnnie; and Roland; a brother, Bill; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Childhood. Strong eventually went behind the scenes as a songwriter, teaming with producer Norman Whitfield in the mid-1960s to cowrite smashes for Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Edwin Starr and the . Norman moved with his family to Detroit, Michigan when he was in his late teens. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. She is the eldest of four children and a third-generation BFA graduate from Howard University. 1976 Grammy winner for Best Original TV or Motion Picture score for. Using his keen eye for observation, Whitfield found a mentor in Motown founder Berry Gordy. Their version, almost a gospel rendition, was a huge hit, by some accounts the biggest-selling single in the history of the label up to that time; in its wake, the Marvin Gaye rendition, much more raw sounding (and also produced by Whitfield), was issued, and it chalked up even bigger sales than its predecessor. In the 1990s, Whitfield played leading roles in a number of made-for-television movies and had several starring roles in theatrical films, including A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Gone Fishin' (1997), Eve's Bayou (1997), Stepmom (1998), Head of State (2003), Madea's Family Reunion (2006), and The Women (2008). Whitfield enjoyed some success as a composer with "Too Many Fish in the Sea" by the Marvelettes, and "Needle in a Haystack" by the Velvettes, but it was his drive and his vision as a producer that allowed him to take over the helm of the Temptations' records. On December 22, 1945 she was married to Norman L. Britten who preceded her in death on November 1, 1995. The Gladys Knight & the Pips' version was the best-selling Motown single so far, but it was surpassed a year later by Gaye's version. It soon became clear to Gordy that Whitfield's talents extended to arranging and production, and it was in the latter capacity that he came to prominence at the label. Among his early successes was "I Couldn't Cry If I Wanted To," written in collaboration with Eddie Holland and cut by the Temptations in late 1962. His daughter, CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield, recalls the lessons he taught his . Like Isaac Hayes, Norman Whitfield, who died earlier this week, was one of the Motown pioneers of epic soul, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, The reclusive genius of psychedelic soul Norman Whitfield. When a notification about first-round voting in the 2021 Grammys slipped into my digital letterbox the other day, the initial thought which came to mind was of Motown's first such honour - for 1968's "Cloud Nine" by the Temptations - and the man behind it, Norman Whitfield.. From 1966 to 1974, Whitfield produced virtually all of the Temptations' music, experimenting with sound effects and other production techniques. - Fell in love with jazz guitarist, Slim Gaillard's young daughter, Janis Hunter. Norman was raised in Harlem where he spent the majority of his spare time in pool halls. The first Temptations single to feature this new psychedelic soul style was "Cloud Nine" in late 1968, which earned Motown its first Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group, Vocal or Instrumental). I knew that this was extremely unlikely given his ongoing struggles with a) illness and b) the IRS, not to mention a longstanding reluctance to talk to the press. [23] The series ended in 2020 after five seasons and 60 episodes. The next year, he was in the news again after he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - The Temptations. Norman Whitfield, a long time friend and best friend during our growing up years, was laid to rest at the Lower Greens Creek Cemetery - he lived in Eastland at the time of his death. Norman Whitfield. He wanted Berry Gordy (head of Motown Records) to have Marvin Gaye record "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". War was recorded by the Temptations before Edwin Starr, and Papa Was a Rollin' Stone was tried out on Whitfield's pet group the Undisputed Truth prior to the Temptations. For the next few years, Whitfield or his protg, Frank Wilson, produced virtually all of the Temptations' recordings, although as Gordy recalled in his autobiography, Whitfield was ambitious enough to extend his influence as a producer far and wide; he still wrote songs as well, and he was always looking for different ways of presenting the same composition. A native of Harlem, New York, Whitfield spent most of his teen years in local pool halls. Who is actress Lynn Whitfield? Her Bio: Daughter Grace Gibson, Net In 2021, she co-starred in the comedy film Vacation Friends. Norman Whitfield, renowned BMI songwriter, producer and arranger of many Motown Records hits, including "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," died September 16. Associated With He wrote and produced songs for several legendary artists, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. For all his renown as a composer, Mr. Whitfield was even more prominent as a producer and arranger. Norman Whitfield Whitfield was a native of Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his teen years in local pool halls. His father, Friendly Womack, spotted Bobby's talent on the guitar at an early age, and Bobby was only Gordy wasn't always tolerant of the young man's presence at Motown's studios, and occasionally chased him off the premises, but not so often that Whitfield didn't pick up what he needed to know: watching recordings being made and songs being fine-tuned. .more .more 57 Dislike Share Save Alain Robert 12.3K subscribers Subscribe Comments 6 Add a. Photos by Larry Parham. When the record label chief vetoed a single release of Whitfield's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that had been cut by Marvin Gaye, opting instead for a more romantic song, Whitfield refused to let the matter drop. Login or Sign-up to show all important data, death records and obituaries absolutely for free! NORMAN WHITFIELD - Michigan Rock and Roll Legends [15] She also had a recurring role on Hit the Floor[16] and appeared as the abusive mother of April (Rochelle Aytes) on Mistresses. But Berry did not want to damage Temptations' image by blatant political statement. Nova Whitfield is best known for being the daughter of DcYoungFly, a rapper, comedian, and performer who has starred on MTV's Wild N Out. Inspired by Sly and the Family Stone's wild arrangements, he wrote the hard-driving, socially aware Cloud Nine with lyricist Barrett Strong (who is himself currently recovering from a stroke) for the Temptations. Though largely invisible professionally in his later years, he did re-emerge in the news in 2005 when he pleaded guilty to settle a tax evasion case from the late '90s. CONTENT. Levi and Shirley Whitfield enjoyed more than 66 years together until death parted them when Levi passed away on June 4, 2021. He was not imprisoned because of health problems such as diabetes. He was 81. Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get it On" (1973) - Written . He recruited new members, most notably Taka Boom (aka Yvonne Stevens, the sister of Chaka Khan), later with the Glass Family, to work with Joe Harris, and saw hits from this version of the group with "You + Me = Love" and "Let's Go Down to the Disco." In 1969, Whitfield won three BMI Awards for the songs "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "I Wish It Would Rain," and "You're My Everything."[5]. Whitfield joined Motown's in-house songwriting staff, co-writing the Marvin Gaye hit "Pride & Joy", the Marvelettes's "Too Many Fish in the Sea" and the Velvelettes's "Needle in a Haystack". In 1975 he split with Motown and founded his own record label Whitfield Records. Sly was definitely sly, and his sound was new, his grooves were incredible, he borrowed a lot from rock. His songwriting career began in the early 1960s when he was included in co-writing The Marvelettes hit single Too Many Fish in the Sea, Marvin Gayes Pride & Joy and later Needle in a Haystack written for The Velvelettes. Shirley Hickman Whitfield (1935-2021) - Memorial Find a Grave Norman Whitfield, who co-wrote a string of Motown classics including "War" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," has died at 67. Norman Whitfield - Biography - IMDb Among his hits there were the soundtrack album for the film Car Wash (1976), for which he wrote the score. View Norman Whitfield's 1940 US census record to find family members, occupation details & more. From 1963 onward, Whitfield had produced most of their recordings of his own songs, and by 1966, he'd completely taken over producing the Temptations in the wake of their huge hit "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," as well as "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" and "I Know I'm Losing You." Norman Whitfield, 67: Motown songwriter | The Star 2023 L.E. Bobby Womack born 4 March 1944 - fromthevaults-boppinbob.blogspot.com On the cover of their last album together, 1973's Masterpiece, his own picture loomed larger than the band's. 12: Daughter: Ida Whitfield. He is survived by his Daughters: Linda Dean, Ann-Marie Major, Sherry Beneby, Hilly Harper, and Lerlene Moss-Walcott; Sons: Eugene and Andrew Beckford; Adopted Daughter: Judy Deleveaux; and a host of other relatives . After her breakthrough as Josephine Baker, Whitfield had the recurring role in the ABC legal drama Equal Justice, appearing opposite Joe Morton. If he thought something was a hit, he would keep pushing until it was. Barrett Strong, Whose 'Money' Helped Launch Motown, Dies at 81 Award-Winning Songwriter/Producer Norman Whitfield Dead at 68 - Anti-Vietnam War song recorded by Temptations, on album Psychedelic Shack. He started there as a tambourine player; known for his keen ear, he was eventually put in charge of quality control by the labels founder, Berry Gordy Jr. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $25,000 fine and spend the next six months in house confinement. It's possible to glimpse the fine line the quintet and its producer were walking on the live recordings from the tour for Masterpiece, on In Japan. Whitfield was born in Harlem, where his main achievement was to become a skilled pool player. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. The film grossed over $35 million against a budget of $8 million. He was a longtime Motown producer and founded his own record label, Whitfield Records, in 1973. Tallahassee, Florida. In 2005 he faced tax evasion charges apparently between 1995 and 1999 he earned around $500,000 per year but failed to report a total income of over $2 million. Norman Whitfield Born 12 May 1940, New York, NY, United States Died 16 September 2008, Los Angeles, CA, United States Member of Popcorn and The Mohawks The Temptations, , Marvin Gaye, The Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce Also Known As Norman Jesse Whitfield [birth name] Genres Motown Sound Share Tweet Follow 7 followers ADVERTISEMENT Discography 3 The company had started the '70s in exceptional financial health, the world at its feet and the sky seemingly the limit, but by the middle of the decade it had taken huge losses, not only on some recordings, but more tellingly on several dubious film-related projects that truly crippled their bottom line. By age five, Whitfield decided she wanted to be in them. Starr's version of "War" w Show more. Phonographic Copyright - Ace Records Ltd. Norman Whitfield - Wikipedia [1] When Motown moved to. He was well known for working with Berry Gordy's Motown labels in the 1960s. And the Temptations, whose singing had taken on a darker sound in 1968 when original lead singer David Ruffin was succeeded by Dennis Edwards, effectively became his "instrument," Whitfield conceiving ever more ambitious songs and productions in which to employ them; their singles and albums were his canvas, which he filled up with his songs, creating ever more involved and ambitious works in the process. Whitfield and lyrical collaborator Barrett Strong were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2004. She was a former member of McGuffey Road Church of Christ and was fond of music. Norman Whitfield Net Worth Access is free so discover Norman Whitfield's story today. She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Julius and Annie Graham, William and Gertrude Whitfield; and 3 aunts. Whitfield fell into a coma, briefly improved, but eventually succumbed to diabetic complications. [11] In 1997, she co-starred opposite Danny Glover and Rosanna Arquette in the comedy film Gone Fishin', appeared in the supporting role in the Canadian drama The Planet of Junior Brown, and played the mother of Jurnee Smollett's title character in the critically acclaimed independent drama Eve's Bayou. In late 1962, Whitfield became part of the early boom era at Motown Records, joining the ranks of Harvey Fuqua, Mickey Stevenson, and the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team. Norman Whitfield - Psychedelic Soul (Produced By Norman - Discogs Norman Whitfield | Songwriters Hall of Fame Lisa Wright always knew she was adopted, but had no idea her biological mother was a star on one of her favorite television shows. United States. Structural Info Facts Pictures Filmography Awards Known for movies Wynk Music brings to you Ooh Boy MP3 song from the movie/album 100 Greatest Soul. Strong eventually went behind the scenes as a songwriter, teaming with producer Norman Whitfield in the mid-1960s to cowrite smashes for Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Edwin Starr and the . Additionally, the 1968 single "Cloud Nine" became the first Motown record to win a Grammy Award, for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group. Norman Whitfield net worth: Norman Whitfield was an American songwriter and producer who had a net worth of $10 million. Miss Whitfield was born September 5, 1975 in Hollywood, a daughter of Norman Whitfield and Asari Graham. Tribute: Irasha Graham Whitfield - WKBN.com Whitfield received positive reviews from critics for her performance. Norman Whitfield | Artist | GRAMMY.com Artist Norman Whitfield WINS* 2 NOMINATIONS* 4 19th Annual GRAMMY Awards WINNER Album Of Best Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or Television Special Car Wash View All Nominations For This Artist Through the 65th GRAMMY Nominations Norman Whitfield News View All News How rich would Norman Whitefield be today? Norman Whitfield was born in Harlem, New York in May 1940 and passed away . She later co-starred in the films The Slugger's Wife, Silverado, and Jaws: The Revenge. Norman Whitfield: death of a soul icon | Music | The Guardian She was a former member of McGuffey Road Church of Christ and was fond of music. A native of Harlem, Whitfield spent his early teen years hanging out in local pool halls. Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. Whitfield, who often wrote both lyrics and music, had more than 450 songs released in his lifetime, his daughter said. His death was announced Sunday on social media by the Motown Museum, which did not immediately provide further details. Mr. Whitfields songs were recorded by a string of Motown luminaries, who besides Mr. Gaye included the Temptations and the Jackson Five. With partner Norman Whitfield wrote enduring hits "Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Norman Whitfield passed away on September 16, 2008 at 68 years old. By way of Wilson's contemporary work with the Four Tops, Whitfield's influence extended to other corners of the Motown stable during this era. "Grapevine" writer Whitfield, 68, helped solidify Motown sound Norman Whitfield. "WAR" by Norman Whitfield & Barret Strong performed by - YouTube Norman Whitfield Obituary (2008) - Los Angeles, CA - Legacy During the next 12 years til 1974, he produced all the groups material, including eight studio albums, and also wrote a dozen of their hit singles.