Barrett Strong, artist and songwriter credited with having given Motown its first hit with “Money (That’s What I Want),” has died. He was 81.
Motown founder Berry Gordy confirmed Strong’s death in a statement where he called his songs “revolutionary.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bertha Barbee McNeal Dies: Cofounder Of Motown's Velvelettes Was 82 Related Story Mable John Dies: First Female Solo Artist Signed By Motown Records Founder Was 91
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Barrett Strong, one of my earliest artists, and the man who sang my first big hit,” Gordy said in a statement shared by Billboard. “Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitefield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit...
Motown founder Berry Gordy confirmed Strong’s death in a statement where he called his songs “revolutionary.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bertha Barbee McNeal Dies: Cofounder Of Motown's Velvelettes Was 82 Related Story Mable John Dies: First Female Solo Artist Signed By Motown Records Founder Was 91
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Barrett Strong, one of my earliest artists, and the man who sang my first big hit,” Gordy said in a statement shared by Billboard. “Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitefield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit...
- 1/30/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Grammy-nominated R&b singer, Jesse Powell, has died at the age of 51.
The musician, best known for his hit 1996 song, “You”, died “peacefully” at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday (13 September), his sisters, recording artists Trina and Tamara Powell, announced on Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell,” Tamara wrote.
“The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy. Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career.
“We want you all to know that you meant the world to him,” she added, signing off, “The Powell Family”.
His cause of death has not been announced.
Powell was born in Indiana, where he grew up performing songs in local talent shows with his sisters.
In 1993, he began working with producer...
The musician, best known for his hit 1996 song, “You”, died “peacefully” at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday (13 September), his sisters, recording artists Trina and Tamara Powell, announced on Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell,” Tamara wrote.
“The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy. Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career.
“We want you all to know that you meant the world to him,” she added, signing off, “The Powell Family”.
His cause of death has not been announced.
Powell was born in Indiana, where he grew up performing songs in local talent shows with his sisters.
In 1993, he began working with producer...
- 9/14/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Music
Mable John, the first ever female solo singer signed to Motown Records, has died aged 91.
John was the first woman who record executive Berry Gordy signed at Motown. She later moved to Stax Records in Memphis.
John’s death was announced by the singer’s nephew, Kevin, who told The Detroit News that she had died on Thursday (25 August).
The singer spent her final years helping the homeless through her LA charity.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” said Kevin, speaking of his aunt’s character.
A cause of death is yet to be announced.
John was born in 1930 in Louisiana. Her family eventually moved to Detroit in 1941 where she grew up.
She was one of nine children, one of whom was the famous R&b singer Little Willie John. John opened for him when he began touring in the Fifties.
Her brother died in 1968. His sons...
John was the first woman who record executive Berry Gordy signed at Motown. She later moved to Stax Records in Memphis.
John’s death was announced by the singer’s nephew, Kevin, who told The Detroit News that she had died on Thursday (25 August).
The singer spent her final years helping the homeless through her LA charity.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” said Kevin, speaking of his aunt’s character.
A cause of death is yet to be announced.
John was born in 1930 in Louisiana. Her family eventually moved to Detroit in 1941 where she grew up.
She was one of nine children, one of whom was the famous R&b singer Little Willie John. John opened for him when he began touring in the Fifties.
Her brother died in 1968. His sons...
- 8/29/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Mable John, who recorded for Motown and Stax and later worked with Ray Charles, died Aug. 25 at her home in Los Angeles. Her nephew, Kevin John, confirmed the death, but did not give a cause. She was 91.
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” Kevin John said of his aunt, the older sister of R&b star Little Willie John.
John had a rich career in music. She was the first solo female artist signed to Motown (then Tamla Records) by Berry Gordy Jr. and recorded the songs “Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That,” “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” “No Love,” “Looking for a Man,” and “Take Me,” the latter with background harmonies by The Temptations.
John left Motown in the mid-1960s to join Memphis label Stax Records. There she teamed with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter for her 1966 hit “Your...
“We loved her and she was a kind person,” Kevin John said of his aunt, the older sister of R&b star Little Willie John.
John had a rich career in music. She was the first solo female artist signed to Motown (then Tamla Records) by Berry Gordy Jr. and recorded the songs “Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That,” “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” “No Love,” “Looking for a Man,” and “Take Me,” the latter with background harmonies by The Temptations.
John left Motown in the mid-1960s to join Memphis label Stax Records. There she teamed with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter for her 1966 hit “Your...
- 8/28/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Mable John, the first female solo artist signed to Motown (then Tamla) Records, a Stax singer and longtime Ray Charles collaborator, has died at the age of 91.
John died Thursday at her home in Los Angeles; no cause of death was revealed. “We loved her and she was a kind person,” her nephew Kevin John told the Detroit News.
Related Lamont Dozier, Motown Songwriter Behind Countless Classics, Dead at 81 Former Jeffrey Epstein Associate Steven Hoffenberg Found Dead at 77 Jerry Allison, Drummer and Songwriter for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Dead...
John died Thursday at her home in Los Angeles; no cause of death was revealed. “We loved her and she was a kind person,” her nephew Kevin John told the Detroit News.
Related Lamont Dozier, Motown Songwriter Behind Countless Classics, Dead at 81 Former Jeffrey Epstein Associate Steven Hoffenberg Found Dead at 77 Jerry Allison, Drummer and Songwriter for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Dead...
- 8/27/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Stax Records will highlight its 1968 releases with the forthcoming five-disc box set, Stax ’68: A Memphis Story. The massive box set – which includes songs from Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Isaac Hayes, William Bell, and Rufus and Carla Thomas – will feature 134 songs.
The set will comprise every single, both A- and B-sides, the venerable soul label and its sub-labels released in 1968. Classics from the era, including Redding’s “(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay” and Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You,” are included...
The set will comprise every single, both A- and B-sides, the venerable soul label and its sub-labels released in 1968. Classics from the era, including Redding’s “(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay” and Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You,” are included...
- 8/30/2018
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Anyone who saw singer Mandy Barnett playing the title role in Always… Patsy Cline or heard her splendid 2013 tribute LP to singer-songwriter Don Gibson is already aware of Barnett’s ability to deliver polished Nashville Sound classics with panache. The Tennessee native, who grazed the country charts in the late Nineties with Americana-ready material when that movement was in its infancy, earned considerable praise for her vocal range and should be well-positioned to do the same with regard to the breadth of material on her forthcoming album.
Barnett will end...
Barnett will end...
- 7/19/2018
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
Los Angeles — In the span of American pop music, few performers have gone as unrecognized as the backup vocalists who harmonize and contextualize the songs of many a heralded lead musician. With "20 Feet From Stardom," some of the most notable finally get their due, but more than a tribute, the film is a recognition of the talent and sacrifice that many of these vocalists have invested in often challenging careers.
With a documentary career that's richly profiled the likes of Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam, Emmy-award winning director Morgan Neville brings an impressive wealth of talent and depth of experience to the project, enhanced by the decades-long perspective of producer and former A&M music exec Gil Friesen, who died late last year.
Departing from the nostalgic star-power of his last film, "Troubadours," profiling Carole King and James Taylor, Neville shines a spotlight...
With a documentary career that's richly profiled the likes of Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam, Emmy-award winning director Morgan Neville brings an impressive wealth of talent and depth of experience to the project, enhanced by the decades-long perspective of producer and former A&M music exec Gil Friesen, who died late last year.
Departing from the nostalgic star-power of his last film, "Troubadours," profiling Carole King and James Taylor, Neville shines a spotlight...
- 6/13/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
By Bryant Gilmore
From MTV News
With Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth on board, it seems that "The Man with the Iron Fists," Wu-Tang Clan member RZA's feature film debut is destined to be a sure-fire hit, and its soundtrack should be no exception.
[ video unavailable on this device ]
The soundtrack, which drops on October 23, two weeks before the film's premiere on November 2, will feature contributions by RZA's fellow Wu members Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon, Talib Kweli, The Black Keys, and Wu Tang fan and rapper, Kanye West, who reportedly recorded a song called "White Dress."
The soundtrack is to be released on RZA's own Stone Temple Records and distributed through Stax/Red Distribution, and in addition to the new songs, RZA says that fans can expect some newly re-purposed Wu Tang tracks along with some classic Stax music from artists Isaac Hayes, Mable John, and William Bell. To tide fans over,...
From MTV News
With Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth on board, it seems that "The Man with the Iron Fists," Wu-Tang Clan member RZA's feature film debut is destined to be a sure-fire hit, and its soundtrack should be no exception.
[ video unavailable on this device ]
The soundtrack, which drops on October 23, two weeks before the film's premiere on November 2, will feature contributions by RZA's fellow Wu members Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon, Talib Kweli, The Black Keys, and Wu Tang fan and rapper, Kanye West, who reportedly recorded a song called "White Dress."
The soundtrack is to be released on RZA's own Stone Temple Records and distributed through Stax/Red Distribution, and in addition to the new songs, RZA says that fans can expect some newly re-purposed Wu Tang tracks along with some classic Stax music from artists Isaac Hayes, Mable John, and William Bell. To tide fans over,...
- 8/29/2012
- by MTV Movies Team
- MTV Movies Blog
Amidst all the hoity-toity awards fare and sober dramas this fall, RZA will storm theaters with his directorial debut "The Man With The Iron Fists." The film, which looks to be a wickedly over the top martial arts flick delivered the way only a member of the Wu-Tang Clan knows how, will unsurprisingly feature a heavy duty soundtrack to go with it. The tracklist has dropped for the upcoming disc which will be released via RZA's new Soul Temple Records, and he explains the unique approach he took. “We went and got some of The Wu-Tang original songs…we took out a lot of stuff that was in it, and we re-orchestrated it,” RZA said. “Stax also came on board to help us out, and they gave me about 10 of their famous Stax cues, songs from William Bell, from Isaac Hayes, from Mable John. So you’re going to have...
- 8/28/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Novelist, short story writer and longtime indie filmmaker John Sayles is an artist who never repeats himself. As a screenwriter and then a filmmaker with 16 features under his belt, Sayles has switched geography, language, time periods, genres and cultures in his restless urge to tells stories about all sorts of people, climes and ethnicities. In Honeydripper, his keen interest has shifted to the evolution of 1950s rock music and the inestimable contribution by African-Americans. His heart -- and musical soul -- is in the right place, but the film makes you at times uncomfortable with black and Southern stereotypes that may hinder some from fully enjoying an otherwise benign and cheerful tall tale of the Saturday night when rock came to rural Alabama.
Sayles has paid far too many dues as a man who can write smoothly and in depth about many regions of America for a critical response to attack him over this. But the images and caricatures of a blind guitar picker, redneck sheriff, revival meetings, cotton-picking, fights in juke joints and the like have all been evoked in so many movies of much less integrity that this is a thing one must get past before surrendering to his amusing backwater fable.
A distributor can anticipate Sayles' admirers to turn out, but Honeydripper may crossover into both rock and blues fans and an urban crowd. It does need careful marketing though.
In 1950 Harmony, Alabama, Tyrone Pine Top Purvis (Danny Glover) can barely keep the doors to his Honeydripper tavern open as his blues singer (recording artist Dr. Mable John) can't compete with the juke box at a rival joint. Worse, Tyrone owes the liquor man and his landlord. For one make-or-break Saturday night, he hires a Louisiana hot-licker named Guitar Sam to pack 'em in and save his club.
Only when the train arrives, there's no Sam. Of course, the solution to Tyrone's dilemma got off a previous train, a guitar-totting kid named Sonny (Austin guitar and blues sensation Gary Clark, Jr.). Unfortunately, the sheriff (Stacy Keach, underplaying the obvious as much as he can) has already arrested Sonny for "vagrancy," thus making him available to pick a white judge's cotton.
So Tyrone makes a deal with the sheriff, illegally purloins his rival's whisky, fends off the landlord's henchman, recruits local musical talent and puts his pal (Charles S. Dutton) up to a scheme to cut the club's electricity and abscond with the cash box moments after Sonny hits the stage. But viewers have a pretty good idea that last premeditated crime may be unnecessary.
Tyrone's own family is divided: His doubtful wife Lisa Gay Hamilton) is thinking about trying out religion rather than rely on the tavern while his wannabe beautician stepdaughter (Yaya DaCosta) would like nothing more than to make Sonny ready for his gig.
So that's Honeydripper, a predictable tale featuring typical characters. You do wish Sayles had extended the concluding concert to make getting to that point even more worthwhile for viewers.
The film does feature a host of interesting characters and, as always with Sayles, the dialogue has more than a few zingers. The well-cast actors are all solid, more than solid even, but as the director-editor Sayles lets the pace slacken too often.
Honeydripper represents a good outing by Sayles but far from his best.
HONEYDRIPPER
Anarchists Convention
Credits:
Writer/director/editor: John Sayles
Producer: Maggie Renzi
Director of photography: Dick Pope
Production designer: Toby Corbett
Costume designer: Hope Hanafin
Music: Mason Daring.
Cast:
Tyrone: Danny Glover
Delilah: Lisa Gay Hamilton
China Doll: Yaya DaCosta
Maceo: Charles S. Dutton
Slick: Vondie Curtis Hall
Sonny Blake: Gary Clark, Jr.
Berta Mae: Dr. Mable John
Sheriff Pugh: Stacy Keach
Amanda: Mary Steenburgen
Running time -- 124 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
TORONTO -- Novelist, short story writer and longtime indie filmmaker John Sayles is an artist who never repeats himself. As a screenwriter and then a filmmaker with 16 features under his belt, Sayles has switched geography, language, time periods, genres and cultures in his restless urge to tells stories about all sorts of people, climes and ethnicities. In Honeydripper, his keen interest has shifted to the evolution of 1950s rock music and the inestimable contribution by African-Americans. His heart -- and musical soul -- is in the right place, but the film makes you at times uncomfortable with black and Southern stereotypes that may hinder some from fully enjoying an otherwise benign and cheerful tall tale of the Saturday night when rock came to rural Alabama.
Sayles has paid far too many dues as a man who can write smoothly and in depth about many regions of America for a critical response to attack him over this. But the images and caricatures of a blind guitar picker, redneck sheriff, revival meetings, cotton-picking, fights in juke joints and the like have all been evoked in so many movies of much less integrity that this is a thing one must get past before surrendering to his amusing backwater fable.
A distributor can anticipate Sayles' admirers to turn out, but Honeydripper may crossover into both rock and blues fans and an urban crowd. It does need careful marketing though.
In 1950 Harmony, Alabama, Tyrone Pine Top Purvis (Danny Glover) can barely keep the doors to his Honeydripper tavern open as his blues singer (recording artist Dr. Mable John) can't compete with the juke box at a rival joint. Worse, Tyrone owes the liquor man and his landlord. For one make-or-break Saturday night, he hires a Louisiana hot-licker named Guitar Sam to pack 'em in and save his club.
Only when the train arrives, there's no Sam. Of course, the solution to Tyrone's dilemma got off a previous train, a guitar-totting kid named Sonny (Austin guitar and blues sensation Gary Clark, Jr.). Unfortunately, the sheriff (Stacy Keach, underplaying the obvious as much as he can) has already arrested Sonny for "vagrancy," thus making him available to pick a white judge's cotton.
So Tyrone makes a deal with the sheriff, illegally purloins his rival's whisky, fends off the landlord's henchman, recruits local musical talent and puts his pal (Charles S. Dutton) up to a scheme to cut the club's electricity and abscond with the cash box moments after Sonny hits the stage. But viewers have a pretty good idea that last premeditated crime may be unnecessary.
Tyrone's own family is divided: His doubtful wife Lisa Gay Hamilton) is thinking about trying out religion rather than rely on the tavern while his wannabe beautician stepdaughter (Yaya DaCosta) would like nothing more than to make Sonny ready for his gig.
So that's Honeydripper, a predictable tale featuring typical characters. You do wish Sayles had extended the concluding concert to make getting to that point even more worthwhile for viewers.
The film does feature a host of interesting characters and, as always with Sayles, the dialogue has more than a few zingers. The well-cast actors are all solid, more than solid even, but as the director-editor Sayles lets the pace slacken too often.
Honeydripper represents a good outing by Sayles but far from his best.
HONEYDRIPPER
Anarchists Convention
Credits:
Writer/director/editor: John Sayles
Producer: Maggie Renzi
Director of photography: Dick Pope
Production designer: Toby Corbett
Costume designer: Hope Hanafin
Music: Mason Daring.
Cast:
Tyrone: Danny Glover
Delilah: Lisa Gay Hamilton
China Doll: Yaya DaCosta
Maceo: Charles S. Dutton
Slick: Vondie Curtis Hall
Sonny Blake: Gary Clark, Jr.
Berta Mae: Dr. Mable John
Sheriff Pugh: Stacy Keach
Amanda: Mary Steenburgen
Running time -- 124 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 9/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.