Norman Whitfield, R.I.P.
Norman Whitfield, a songwriter and producer who helped push the Motown Sound into the world of “psychedelic soul,” passed away in Los Angeles earlier this week after developing complications from diabetes. Whitfield co-wrote “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and produced both the Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight versions of the track; he also worked extensively with the Temptations, and produced their Grammy-winning songs “Cloud Nine” and “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” (above). In 1973, he left Motown and formed his own label, Whitfield Records, which had its biggest success with Rose Royce’s “Car Wash” and the soundtrack to the film of the same name. Whitfield was 67. [Detroit Free Press; HT TDS]
