A demanding egotist in the studio, he worked the Temptations into the ground. War actually sounds like war; Ball of Confusion is indeed a ball of confusion. Norman Whitfield was born in 1940s. Whitfield has been credited with helping create the Motown Sound and helping the development of the subgenre psychedelic soul. He was well known for working with Berry Gordy's Motown labels in the 1960s. writer: "Too Many Fish in the Sea" - as Norman Whitfield Jr. writer: "Ball of Confusion That's What The World Is Today" 1970 - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: "Back Again" - as Norman Jesse Whitfield, Documentary writer: "Just My Imagination Running Away With Me" - as W. Norman, writer: "I Can't Get Next To You" - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: "I Can't Get Next to You" - as Norman J. Whitfield, TV Special writer: "I Heard It Through The Grape Vine", Video Game writer: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", Video Game as Norman J. Whitfield, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", Documentary writer: "Just My Imagination Running Away with Me", "Ball of Confusion That's What the World Is Today" - as Norman J Whitfield, writer: "I heard it through the grapevine", "I heard it through the Grapevine", writer: "Just My Imagination Running Away with Me" - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: "I Can't Get Next to You" 1964 - as Norman J. Whitfield, as Norman J. Whitfield, "CLOUD NINE", "I WISH IT WOULD RAIN", "TAKE A LOOK AROUND", "PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE", "SMILING FACES SOMETIMES", TV Movie documentary writer: "Needle in a Haystack", "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", writer: "I Can't Get Next to You" 1969 - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: "I Wanna Get Next to You" - as Norman Jesse Whitfield, music: "Just My Imagination Running Away With Me", "Just My Imagination Running Away with Me", Documentary writer: "Holler If Ya' Hear Me", writer: "Pride and Joy" - as Norman J. Whitfield, Party at the Palace: The Queen's Concerts, Buckingham Palace, TV Movie documentary writer: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", Documentary as Norman J. Whitfield, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Cloud Nine", "Girl Why You Wanna Make Me Blue", "Ball Of Confusion That's What The World Is Today", "Pride And Joy", writer: "Anything For You Divine Mill Film Re-Mix" - as Norman J. Whitfield, TV Series 1 episode, 1977 writer - 3 episodes, 1977 - 2000, writer: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Superstar Remember How You Got Where You Are", "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", writer: "Car Wash The Pop Rox Car Jack Remix", TV Movie writer: "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", "Smiling Faces Sometimes" - uncredited, writer: "Too Many Fish in the Sea" - as Norman J. Whitfield, writer: - as N. Whitfield / writer: "Luv Me, Luv Me", TV Movie writer: "I Wanna Get Next To You", "Car Wash" - uncredited, TV Series writer: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", writer: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special. Their separation was brief, however, as Shirley passed away on August 14, 2021. Many, including I Heard It Through the Grapevine, memorably recorded both by Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips, were written with his frequent collaborator Barrett Strong. That success was complicated by the growing antipathy of the Temptations themselves, who sometimes felt like backup participants on their own records amid Whitfield's production efforts -- and Whitfield's prominent visual presence on Masterpiece's artwork -- a rare level of prominence for a producer -- couldn't have helped matters with the group. A spokeswoman at Cedars-Sinai Medical Cent In 1975, faced with reduced options at the recording company that had been his professional home for more than a decade, Whitfield left Motown to start his own label, Whitfield Records. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie and received a Golden Globe Award nomination for her breakout performance as Josephine Baker in the HBO biographical film The Josephine Baker Story (1991). "[6] The New York Times added that Whitfield "powerfully captures her [Baker's] passionate determination. "[22] She won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019 and 2020 as well as the Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama Series in 2017. Norman Whitfield | Discography | Discogs Norman Whitfield: death of a soul icon | Music | The Guardian Using his keen eye for observation, Whitfield found a mentor in Motown founder Berry Gordy. "His will to live was so. By Matt Wesley. Bobby Womack born 4 March 1944 - fromthevaults-boppinbob.blogspot.com Motown producer/songwriter who helped define the label's sound. His death was announced Sunday on social media by the Motown Museum, which did not immediately provide further details. 2023 L.E. Norman Whitfield, who co-wrote a string of Motown classics including "War" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," has died at 67. 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. She later co-starred in the films The Slugger's Wife, Silverado, and Jaws: The Revenge. After Temptations lead singer David Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards in 1968, Whitfield moved the group into a harder, darker sound that featured a blend of psychedelic rock and funk heavily inspired by the work of Sly & the Family Stone and Funkadelic. Norman Whitfield. Barrett Strong | Songwriters Hall of Fame Norman Whitfield Biography. [23] The series ended in 2020 after five seasons and 60 episodes. Thu 18 Sep 2008 09.15 EDT. Mr. Whitfields songs were recorded by a string of Motown luminaries, who besides Mr. Gaye included the Temptations and the Jackson Five. The following year, Gordy finally succumbed and Gaye's version was even bigger. On January 18, 2005, Whitfield pleaded guilty for failing to report royalty income he earned from 1995 to 1999 to the Internal Revenue Service. Gordy refused to release versions of I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the Miracles, the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye. Read Full Biography Overview Biography Songs Credits Awards Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Related Artists Associated with Barrett Strong Associated with The Temptations Followed by Terence Trent D'Arby Influenced by The Coasters Norman Whitfield Net Worth Barrett Strong, Motown Icon And 'Money' Singer, Dies At 81 His the best movie is Car Wash. A native of Harlem, New York, Whitfield spent most of his teen years in local pool halls. Robert Dwayne Womack was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the third of five brothers. His "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" one of the most played songs of the 20th century on American radio and TV. Whitfield has won a total of seven NAACP Image Awards. Album by Larry Parham. Nova Whitfield is a lovely young lady with an angelic appearance. After her breakthrough as Josephine Baker, Whitfield had the recurring role in the ABC legal drama Equal Justice, appearing opposite Joe Morton. Norman studied briefly at a technical school in Detroit before joining Thelma Records, a local label, when he was about 19. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Norman Whitfield, who co-wrote a string of Motown classics including "War" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," has died. All these accomplishments provided a significant boost to Norman Whitfields wealth. Dorian Lynskey. This engagement provided the basis for Norman Whitfields net worth and also helped him to set his foot in the world of songwriting. Norman Whitfield passed away on September 16, 2008 at 68 years old. 1 - 49 of 49 Total. Hayes and Whitfield were two of my heroes for the way they redrew the boundaries of soul, letting songs thunder and swirl far beyond the traditional pop song format. Motown producer/songwriter who helped define the label's sound. In his late teens, he and his family moved to Detroit, Michigan so that his father could join his sister and work in her . LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Motown producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield, who helped create some of the legendary label's most important anthems, including Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the. Despite Gordy's reservations over its perceived pro-drug message, it changed Motown overnight. Besides his daughter, Irasha, of Los Angeles, Mr. Whitfield is survived by four sons, Norman, of Los Angeles; Michael, of Toluca Lake; Johnnie, of Atlanta; and Roland, of Murrieta, Calif.; a brother, Bill, of Los Angeles; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was to see sides and potential in that group's sound that would enhance both of their careers in the decade to follow. Selected singles production/songwriting credits, Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today), Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me), Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group, Vocal or Instrumental, Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance, Grammy Award for Best Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special, Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), Category:Albums produced by Norman Whitfield, List of songs written by Norman Whitfield, I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You), Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations | AllMusic, "The Associated Press: Motown writer, producer Norman Whitfield dies", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norman_Whitfield&oldid=1136555329, 1969: "Don't Let the Joneses Get You Down" The Temptations (US #20, US R&B #2), 1970: "You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You)" Gladys Knight & the Pips (US #35, US R&B #3), also recorded by the Temptations, 1974: "Help Yourself" The Undisputed Truth (US #63, US R&B #19), This page was last edited on 30 January 2023, at 22:49. Had he worked for a label like Columbia or RCA Victor in the middle/late '50's, with a roster of artists spanning the musical spectrum, Whitfield might well have been cutting R&B, country, pop, and rock & roll (and vocal and instrumental) versions of his songs. Norman Jesse Whitfield (1941-2008) - Find a Grave Memorial - Fell in love with jazz guitarist, Slim Gaillard's young daughter, Janis Hunter. If he thought something was a hit, he would keep pushing until it was. Photos by Larry Parham. Another account she has is on Facebook, with over 25,000 followers, but the account has not been updated since 2018. 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. She began her acting career in television and theatre before progressing to supporting roles in film. Shirley Hickman Whitfield (1935-2021) - Memorial Find a Grave In 1975 he started Whitfield Records which produced the hit single "Car Wash" by Rose Royce. NORMAN WHITFIELD - Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get it On" (1973) - Written . [17], In 2015, Whitfield was cast as the main villain in Greenleaf, the Oprah Winfrey Network original scripted drama series about the unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis megachurch. She also starred as Dorothea Garibaldi in the Disney Channel films The Cheetah Girls and The Cheetah Girls 2. She was a 1993 graduate of Hubbard High School and obtained a Bachelor's Degree from. Facing charges of tax evasion on more than $2 million worth of income, he was sentenced to six months of house confinement and a $25,000 fine. Born in West Point, Mississippi in 1941, singer/composer Barrett Strong was a pivotal figure in Motown's formative years, and is perhaps best known for his collaborations during the late '60s and early '70s with fellow Motown . [25] She guest-starred as Shaunette Rene Wilson's mother, a famous Nigerian surgeon, on the Fox medical drama The Resident in 2019. He was a fast learner, too -- at 18, he'd written and produced at Detroit's Thelma Records, including sides by Richard Street (future member of the Temptations), and played as a member of the Distants, the precursors to the latter group; he'd also played tambourine with the band Popcorn and the Mohawks on some Thelma sides backing the Distants. Share Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved! February 28, 2023 (76 years old) View obituary. Artist Norman Whitfield Real name Norman Jesse Whitfield Born May 12, 1940 Died September 16, 2008 Country United States IPI 00032841992 45 works 00063704487 74 works Affiliation BMI Comments Songwriter and producer credited as one of the creators of the Motown sound. In 2004, Mr. Whitfield was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. After several years fighting diabetes, Norman Whitfield passed away at the age of 68, on the 16th September 2008 in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Who is Teesha Renee? [20][21] One critic stated: "Whitfield has the imperious aura of a grand soap opera diva in the tradition of Joan Collins. Barrett Strong, Whose 'Money' Helped Launch Motown, Dies at 81 According to sources, it is estimated that the total amount of Norman Whitfields net worth, as of early 2017, would exceed the sum of $10 million, acquired by his prosperous career in the music industry which spanned almost 50 years. Skip Ancestry main menu Main Menu. "Marvelous Mal" Whitfield was an Olympic medalist, Tuskegee airman and longtime U.S. diplomat. Whitfield did return to Motown briefly in the early '80s to produce the Temptations' "Sail Away," and also the soundtrack album to the movie The Last Dragon. But Berry did not want to damage Temptations' image by blatant political statement. Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - The Temptations. He was bad. Meet Lynn Whitfield & Brian Gibson's Daughter Grace - AmoMama Salli Richardson-Whitfield and daughter Parker during Golden Globe Gifting Suite - Boom Boom Room at Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA, United States. Her mother is a founding member of the Baton Rouge chapter of The Links Incorporated and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Whitfield was born and raised in Harlem, New York. Norman Jesse Whitfield Profile: American songwriter and producer (born May 12, 1940, in Harlem, New York - died September 16, 2008, in Los Angeles) best known for his work with Berry Gordy 's Motown label during the 1960s. The family eventually relocated there, and Whitfield hustled pool and performed other marginal pursuits to survive, and also began watching and learning what was needed to work in music. SecondHandSongs is building the most comprehensive source of cover song information. He was not imprisoned because of health problems such as diabetes. Advertisement Norman Whitfield was among the architects from the Motown audio, from its early top being a country wide label through its waning times of major graph achievement. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $25,000 fine and spend the next six months in house confinement. DC Young Fly Daughter's Nova Whitfield: Age, Mom, Bio, Parents, Net Worth! Jason, Scott, Shelly, Wanda,Taylor & Brad Stone. "Even as his body began to fail him, his mind was so strong," she said. For all his renown as a composer, Mr. Whitfield was even more prominent as a producer and arranger. This memorial website was created in memory of Robert M Whitfield, 78, born on December 30, 1926 and passed away on March 2, 2005. Net Jung Seung Hwan - Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Morena Baccarin's Wiki, Husband, Net Worth, Measur Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, Songwriter, Record producer, Film Score Composer, Johnnie Whitfield, Norman Whitfield, Irasha Whitfield, Roland Whitfield, Michael Whitfield, Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Access is free so discover Norman Whitfield's story today. Norman passed away in 2008. She continued her career, starring in the made-for-television movies A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story (1991); Stompin' at the Savoy (1992) with Vanessa L. Williams, Jasmine Guy, and Vanessa Bell Calloway; Taking the Heat (1993) with Tony Goldwyn; State of Emergency (1994) with Joe Mantegna; Sophie and the Moonhanger (1996); The Wedding (1998), as Halle Berry's mother; The Color of Courage (1998) alongside Linda Hamilton; and Deep in My Heart (1999) opposite Anne Bancroft. (The tune was by the Funk Brothers.). Tribute: Irasha Graham Whitfield - WKBN.com A native of Harlem, Whitfield spent his early teen years hanging out in local pool halls. Daughter Mignon Strong said her father's strength of spirit persisted through his final days. Childhood. The next year, he was in the news again after he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get it On" (1973) - Written . That year he left Motown to set up Whitfield Records but his only subsequent major success was Rose Royce, who released the likes of Car Wash and Wishing on a Star, and he retired from music in the early 80s. [15] She also had a recurring role on Hit the Floor[16] and appeared as the abusive mother of April (Rochelle Aytes) on Mistresses. Her love of movies was shared by her maternal grandmother, Estelle Devall Butler, who exposed her to them. Norman Whitfield had an international smash hit in 1976 with Rose Royce's "Car Wash", issued on MCA Records. Miss Whitfield was born September 5, 1975 in Hollywood, a daughter of Norman Whitfield and Asari Graham. Both parents were instrumental in developing Whitfield's initial interest in acting, as they were actively involved in the Baton Rouge art scene. Whitfield often recorded notably different versions of songs with different artists in search of a hit, and did so successfully in the cases of Edwin Starr, with "War" (1970; originally recorded by the Temptations), and the Undisputed Truth, with "Smiling Faces Sometimes" (1971; also originally by the Temptations). Mini Bio (1) Music producer, arranger, and songwriter Norman Jessie Whitfield was born on May 12, 1941 in New York City. . Rickey Smiley opens up about his son's death, talks addiction: 'He used Rose Royce (whose members were originally Edwin Starr's backing band while at Motown) went on to record three more popular albums, and had two huge UK hits with "Wishing on a Star" (1977) and "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" (1978), but could never top the success of "Car Wash", which served as the theme song to the 1976 motion picture Car Wash. When it comes to his personal life, Norman Whitfield managed to keep it private he had five children but details of their mother(s) is lacking. NormanIs That You? Adam White Norman Whitfield - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of Death - CelebsAges his father's car broke down there. He was survived by his daughter and four sons from who he had eight grandchildren. Norman Whitfield was born in Harlem, New York in May 1940 and passed away in September 2008. My dad, Marvelous Mal | CNN Woman learned birth mother was star on 'That's My Mama' - CNN A NORMAN WHITFIELD SONGBOOK - YouTube Even amid all of this activity with the Temptations, he found other important outlets for his compositions, most notably in the person of Edwin Starr. When Whitfield wasn't producing the albums himself, Frank Wilson, using techniques and approaches he'd learned from Whitfield, was in charge. Norman Whitfield Beckford - The Nassau Guardian After several years fighting diabetes, Norman Whitfield passed away at the age of 68, on the 16th September 2008 in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Tallahassee, Florida. He attended Northwestern High School. Alongside his Motown lyrical collaborator Barrett Strong, he was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2004. Story highlights. 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. General Info Family His first professional engagement came at his age of 19, when he began serving in Motown headquarters Hitsville U.S.A. in its quality control department. Now Wright is sharing the story of having been reunited . Barrett Strong, Motown artist known for 'Money,' dies at 81 Auxiliary Post 5319. Lynn Whitfield's Daughter Joins the Conversation - YouTube Home; Trees; . Whitfield's big success with his own label, however, and his last big commercial hit, came in 1976 with the group Rose Royce, which he had discovered during their time as Edwin Starr's backup band (known then as Magic Wand). [7]" Whitfield won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her role, and said this gave her "the greatest sense of accomplishment and realization of my vision. Whitfield kept moving with the times, his songs taking on an edge of gritty social realism in their lyrics that were far removed from the romantic ballads on which much of the "Motown Sound" had been built across the company's first decade. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations. Whitfield gave the song to Gladys Knight and the Pips, who made it Motown's bestselling single at the time. The Temptations' version earned a second Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for Whitfield and the Temptations, and Whitfield and Strong shared the songwriters' award for Best Rhythm and Blues Song. Your email address will not be published. She eventually moved to New York and appeared off-Broadway in such shows as The Great Macdaddy and Showdown Time before earning international acclaim touring the United States, Australia and London's West End in the 1977 production of the landmark play "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf" alongside Alfre Woodard.[2]. [24], In 2018, Whitfield co-starred opposite Sanaa Lathan in the romantic comedy film Nappily Ever After, which was released on Netflix. After writing hits for Marvin Gaye, the Marvelettes and the Velvelettes, he wrested creative control of the Temptations from Smokey Robinson in 1966 with the success of Ain't Too Proud to Beg. He was 67. July 15, 2022 11:34 AM EDT. In 1983, she appeared in the comedy film Doctor Detroit (1983), playing the supporting role of Thelma Cleland. He was born in Harlem in 1943. Thanks to him, songs could pass the 10-minute mark, use every studio trick available and speak to the concerns of a tougher, angrier black America. Norman Whitfield | Artist | GRAMMY.com
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