Barrett Strong

Barrett Strong was born on February 5, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, and became one of the earliest Motown Records recording artists. In 1959, he recorded 'Money (That's What I Want),' which became one of the most iconic and covered songs in music history, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing Strong's place in soul and rock history. The song was later famously recorded by The Beatles and has since become a standard covered by numerous artists across genres. Beyond his performing career, Strong transitioned into songwriting and production, collaborating with Norman Whitfield to create hits for various Motown artists throughout the 1960s and beyond. His contributions to Motown's golden era were instrumental in shaping the label's distinctive sound and cultural impact. Strong's legacy extends from his own performances to his significant behind-the-scenes work that influenced the trajectory of soul and pop music during one of the most transformative periods in American music history.