With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that the iconic American singer-songwriter Barrett Strong has passed away at 81 years of age.

Motown Records’ 1960 single ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ was Strong’s first hit record and an essential milestone in the integration of African-American music into American popular culture. This genre became a powerful force for racial equality, uniting people through its unique sound and soulful messages.

On Sunday, Motown Museum sadly reported on Twitter the passing of [name], though his cause of death was not immediately revealed.

With immense grief, Berry Gordy—founder of Motown—veraciously confirmed the demise of Strong in a statement sent to Billboard.

He stated: “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 Whitefield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations.”

“Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times like ‘Cloud Nine’ and the still relevant, ‘Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today).”

On February 5th, 1941 in West Point Mississippi, Strong was brought into the world by proud parents: a factory worker and housewife. His childhood saw him raised in Detroit where he became one of Berry Gordy’s first signings–all at just an adolescent age!

In April of 1959, Strong made his debut on Tamla’s third single, ‘Let’s Rock’. Just a few months later in August that same year, the label released their seventh track – Money (That’s What I Want)’, featuring Strong.

Marvin Gaye, Edwin Starr, and many more renowned artists had their music elevated to new heights with the work of producer Norman Whitfield – a true visionary who created the ‘Motown Sound’. His collaborations included hits such as Marvin’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, Edwin’s “War” and his chart-topping epic “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”.

Experiencing monumental success, the songwriting duo brought forth The Temptations’ biggest hits with their iconic single ‘Cloud Nine’, which reached the Top 10 on the music charts in 1968.

The Motown group hit the apex of success in 1971 when they topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

In 1960, when Barrett Strong was only 19 years old, his hit single ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ propelled fledgling Motown Records into the public eye. At that time he had just reached adulthood and firmly marked himself as an artist to watch in the music industry.

Subsequently, the record was covered by illustrious groups such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

The track, released in August 1959 and backed by ‘Oh I Apologize’, was a resounding success. It achieved No. 2 on the Hot R&B Sides chart and an impressive No. 23 spot on Billboard’s coveted Top 100 list.

After the incredible success of ‘Money,’ Strong never again matched its heights on his own. Decades later, he fought to gain recognition for having contributed to writing it.

Throughout the duration of his career, Strong had a monumental impact on crafting Soul music in America, partnering with renowned songwriter and producer Norman Whitfield to create several highly-successful hits for their record label.

‘I Wish It Would Rain’ and ‘Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)’ were celebrated by fans and critics alike, while the crown jewel of Motown songs – ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’, covered by Marvin Gaye, otherwise known as The Prince of Motown – earned a place in music history.

Motown Records played a pivotal role in integrating African American music into mainstream popular culture across the United States.

To help mend the deep-seated fractures in America during the 1960s, this Black-owned corporation employed a multi-racial staff to work for its label teams.

Despite the abolishment of segregation by the Civil Rights Act 1964, Voting Rights Act 1965 and Fair Housing Act 1968 in the United States, it still remains a reality when considering housing, schooling, and employment.

Founder Gordy said in 2016: “I wanted songs for the whites, black, the Jews, Gentiles […] I wanted everybody to enjoy my music.”

In the last few years of the decade, Barrett Strong served as a vital contributor to more politically charged songs like The Temptations’ ‘Cloud Nine’ and ‘Psychedelic Shack’, plus Edwin Starr’s iconic protest anthem ‘War’.

Strong said in 1999: “I had a cousin who was a paratrooper that got hurt pretty bad in Vietnam.

“I also knew a guy who used to sing with [Motown songwriter] Lamont Dozier that got hit by shrapnel and was crippled for life. You talk about these things with your families when you’re sitting at home, and it inspires you to say something about it.”

Strong is credited as a writer of ‘Money’ and he frequently reminisced about having the idea for the energetic piano riff when jamming to Ray Charles´ classic, ‘What’d I Say’, in the recording studio.

Several decades after its release, he discovered that Motown had stripped him of his credit on the classic song—depriving him not only of royalties but also a cherished memento in John Lennon’s home jukebox. His melody has been covered by renowned artists such as The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones alike.

Strong’s legal plea was significantly hindered due to his tardy petition for the reinstatement of his name.

“Songs outlive people,” Strong said in 2013. “The real reason Motown worked was the publishing. The records were just a vehicle to get the songs out there to the public.”

“The real money is in the publishing, and if you have publishing, then hang on to it. That´s what it´s all about. If you give it away, you´re giving away your life, your legacy. Once you’re gone, those songs will still be playing.”