Barett Strong Dead at 81: Motown Singer’s Early Life, Career, and Success Explored

Barrett Strong, popularly known for being the first singer to strike a hit single under the legendary Motown records, has passed away; take a look at the early life and successful career of the musician before his death.

According to Rolling Stone, the singer passed away at the age of 81. As of this writing, details surrounding his actual cause of death remain unavailable to the public.

Motown founder Berry Gordy issued a statement after Strong's sudden passing, praising him along with songwriter, Norman Whitfield for their iconic songs through the decades.

"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),'" he added.

Barrett Strong Early Life, Successful Career Explored

Born on February 5, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, the singer later moved to Detroit, Michigan, with his family and later explored his love for music at a young age.

According to Free Press, the musician taught himself how to play the piano by ear using his father's classic instrument. He later studied at Hutchins Middle School along with other legendary names in the music industry like Aretha Franklin and songwriter, Lamont Dozier.

In a previous interview, Strong said he thought he was "really a star" during his days at school because many of his classmates and fellow students were amazed by his talent at a talent show.

The singer later found himself performing at amateur shows around his area. He previously collaborated with the Falcons (later known as Four Tops) before meeting Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.

At the time, he decided to go on tour because of his success, but he never liked the thought of touring around the country to perform his hit songs. When he got back, his mother told him he looked "terrible" after looking so skinny, which eventually led him to decide to stop traveling.

His career took a different turn when he decided to take on a different job, but he still found his way back into the music scene by working with other record companies. He cut singles by iconic bands and musicians like Mary Wells, Reflections, and many more.

By 1966, he went back to Motown to collaborate with Whitfield and released many singles together. He was popularly known for his hits like "Oh I Apologize," "Yes, No, Maybe So," "I'm Gonna Cry," "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right," and others.

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Death, Cause of death, Life, Career, Motown, Tribute, Obituary, News, Music