Happy Belated Birthday to Barrett Strong!  He turned 80 on February 5th and he’s one of the most legendary songwriters in Motown history.  In this special Weekend Brunch Edition, fry up some eggs and bacon, get a glass of orange juice and jam out to these Motown classics written by Barrett Strong.

About Barrett Strong:  He was born in West Point, Mississippi and he’s known as the man that changed the game forever for legendary Motown group The Temptations.  Remember when The Temptations went from doo-wop Motown to psychedelic soul.  You can thank Barrett Strong and esteemed producer Norman Whitfield.  Strong earned a number 1 hit for the Temptations last number 1 song “Just My Imagination(Running Away From Me)” and also earned a Grammy for the song “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations.  He also wrote “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” for Creedence Clearwater Revival and Marvin Gaye and also wrote the anti-war classic “War” by Edwin Starr.  Enjoy this playlist and develop further appreciation for songwriters in Black History Music.  Don’t forget to mention his smash solo hit “Money(That’s What I Want)” was number 2 and also covered by The Kingsmen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Buddy Guy and Jerry Lee Lewis.  Without further ado, enjoy this 10 song playlist to honor and commemorate Barrett Strong as a hall of fame songwriter:

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