Motown’s GREATEST Producer | The Untold Truth Of Norman Whitfield | Motown Legends Ep66

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
  • Join this channel to get access to the perks:
    / @wbptv
    Social Media Links:
    Instagram: / wbptv
    X: twittwer.com/s...
    TikTok: / wbptv
    #UNSUNG #subscribe #musichistory #shortsfeed #ytshorts #bluesmusic #rhythmandblues #rhythmandblues #soulmusic #rockandroll #motown #rocknroll #rockandroll #musichistory #music #musicdocumentary #musicvideo #musicvideo #reaction #reactionvideo #reels #reel #rhythm #hollywood #hiphopmusic #holllywood #trending #trendingshorts #tiktok #instagram #shortsvideo #shortsviral #viralshort #videos #youtubevideos #youtubechannel #youtubevideo #ytshort #yt #youtubeshort #youtuber #youtube #youtube #youtubeshorts #shortvideo #shortsvideo #status #soulmusic #blues #jazzblues #jazz #jazzpiano #jazzhop #jazzhop #jazzfunk #musicproducer #musician #documentaryhistory #documentary #documentaries #clydemcphatter #arethafranklin #billyward #motownclassics #classicalmusic #classicmusic #berrygordy #bluesjazzmusic #bluesjazz #hiphopnews #reactionchannel #thetemptations #musicproducer #normanwhitfield #thefourtops #theundisputedtruth #roseroyce #rnb #rnbmusic #rnb90s #rnb2022
    The Copyright Act of 1976 is a United States Law and remains the primary basis of Copyright Law in the United States as amended by several later enacted Copyright Provisions.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 129

  • @terrymathis1446
    @terrymathis1446 8 місяців тому +38

    BALL OF CONFUSION! 54 years old and still relevant!!! ❤

    • @MitchMitch77-77
      @MitchMitch77-77 8 місяців тому +1

      When the Nets first moved from the ABA to the NBA, that was their opening theme song!

  • @saj8
    @saj8 8 місяців тому +37

    Norman Whitfield was the catalyst for updating Motown's sound in the late 60s-early 70s, even though Berry hated the changes that happened during that period.

    • @1599maybole
      @1599maybole 8 місяців тому +10

      Gordy was obsessed with Vegas and supper clubs

    • @generalinformation3507
      @generalinformation3507 8 місяців тому +11

      Berry Gordy Didn't even want Marvin Gaye to make the album what's going on, One of the most influential groundbreaking relevant albums to this day. Berry wanted to keep the happy young sound of the 60s going🤔

    • @saj8
      @saj8 8 місяців тому +6

      @@generalinformation3507 Berry thought that Marvin would lose his female fanbase if he released What's Going On. Harry Balk and Barney Ales had to go over Berry's head to get that album released.

    • @007ndc
      @007ndc 8 місяців тому +5

      ​@@saj8there was no person above Berry Gordy at Motown

    • @toyahill4151
      @toyahill4151 8 місяців тому +2

      @@generalinformation3507 I agree with your comment on Berry Gordy!

  • @RonaldMorgan-n7o
    @RonaldMorgan-n7o 8 місяців тому +22

    Welcome to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! My all time favorite producer!!!

  • @linedanzer4302
    @linedanzer4302 8 місяців тому +26

    Too Busy Thinking About My Baby - I Heard It Through the Grapevine - The Girl's Alright With Me - Ain't Too Proud to Beg, - You're My Everything - I Wish It Would Rain - Please Return Your Love to Me - Psychedelic Shake Runaway Child -I Can't Get Next To You - Don't Let the Jones Get You Down - Cloud Nine - Ball of Confusion *to name a few*

    • @sandramorris420
      @sandramorris420 8 місяців тому +5

      Your list of songs are also great!

    • @asafaust8869
      @asafaust8869 8 місяців тому +1

      If the Temptations movie was accurate, Norman was the one that DE character had words with regarding the song Papa was a Rolling Stone. DE said the song was about the day his daddy died.

  • @michellemanning7229
    @michellemanning7229 8 місяців тому +27

    Norman Whitfield is definitely one of the unsung producers and songwriters.

  • @sandramorris420
    @sandramorris420 8 місяців тому +35

    Norman Whitfield was a GREAT SONGWRITER and PRODUCER!!! Here are some of my favorite songs Everybody Needs Love, Please Return Your Love To Me, Smiling Faces Sometimes, + Ooh Boy.

    • @linedanzer4302
      @linedanzer4302 8 місяців тому +4

      Good list! I love every single one of those songs.

    • @chiefauralist
      @chiefauralist 8 місяців тому +3

      I learned to Arrange for STRINGS when I was younger while listening to Norman’s Arrangements of MASTERPIECE and TALKIN’ BOUT MA..

    • @robertkiss7003
      @robertkiss7003 5 місяців тому +1

      Zoom by The Temptations from the album 1990 is a masterpiece, blending soul an psychedelia.

  • @rusticization
    @rusticization 8 місяців тому +17

    I always admire and I will always continue to admire Norman Whitfield's work for Motown Records, especially those coming from the likes of the Temptations and the Undisputed Truth.

  • @autumnsmom1117
    @autumnsmom1117 8 місяців тому +7

    The talented and creative writer Mr. Norman Whitfield. My favorite songs by him are Friendship Train, Heard It Through The Grapevine, War, Smiling Faces, Just My Imagination, Cloud Nine, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, and Which Way Is Up as well as the Car Wash Soundtrack, which was/is out of sight.

  • @trevab567
    @trevab567 8 місяців тому +7

    I love his work with Rose Royce, especially Do Your Dance!

  • @autumn975
    @autumn975 8 місяців тому +22

    That Car Wash soundtrack still hits different 🔥

  • @marveluniverse4192
    @marveluniverse4192 8 місяців тому +14

    My favorite song produce and written by Norman Whitfield was just my imagination for The Temptations

  • @lancebenefield7462
    @lancebenefield7462 8 місяців тому +18

    I know Norman Whitfield son from living in Los Angeles and working at a restaurant called "The Federal Bar" . . . he is very cool and produce Music his self, his name is MICHAEL WHITFIELD and he gave my 10 year old daughter a $100 one day !

  • @theresawebb1968
    @theresawebb1968 8 місяців тому +11

    This was long over so but finally so glad somebody is telling the Norman Whitfield.

  • @sarahmoses1910
    @sarahmoses1910 8 місяців тому +11

    Wow, I didn't realize that he did so many songs. He did wonders with the Temptations. I'd say all because every Artist mentioned have something that I like.

  • @theramden6025
    @theramden6025 8 місяців тому +24

    Norman took the Tempts to the next level. This industry almost always ripoff the artists unless they do it all like Stevie and Alicia. Publishing is where the money is.

  • @conationenterprises4322
    @conationenterprises4322 8 місяців тому +5

    He also wrote the classic "Just My Imagination" for the Temptations.

  • @johnspainart
    @johnspainart 2 місяці тому

    probably my favorite song writer ever. love the depth of his lyrics

  • @temptin_temptations
    @temptin_temptations 8 місяців тому +7

    Norman Whitfield is such a legend. Very important piece to the Temptations success ❤

  • @nycfunk
    @nycfunk 8 місяців тому +4

    I don't have a favorite song by Norman per se, but my favorite period of Motown especially The Temps is the Norman and Strong composed and produced songs of the early 70s. His work with the Temps and Dennis Edwards, in particular, is pure psychedelic Funk.

  • @MrCtsSteve
    @MrCtsSteve 8 місяців тому +6

    He had that Psychedelic funk dialed in tight

  • @brunobartolucci1834
    @brunobartolucci1834 13 годин тому

    Whitfield : un grandissimo ! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Grazie per il tuo favoloso Funk ! Grazie per lo space-funk !

  • @marvinwhittaker
    @marvinwhittaker 8 місяців тому +7

    All of The Temptations hit songs he written and produced along with Marvin Gaye are my favorites, keep them coming, man!!!

    • @toniwilliams2708
      @toniwilliams2708 8 місяців тому +2

      Yes, he wrote many of Temptations hits but not all. Smokey Robinson wrote songs for the Temptations, too

    • @marvinwhittaker
      @marvinwhittaker 8 місяців тому +2

      @@toniwilliams2708 Yeah I know that but I was referring to when he took over as producer and writer for The Temptations. The hit singles he wrote and he also produced The Girl's Alright With Me and Girl, Why You Wanna Make Me Blue in between the Smokey Robinson productions.

  • @anthonyrichmond1909
    @anthonyrichmond1909 8 місяців тому +4

    Nice job, educational and entertaining history 👏

  • @roberttydeman4771
    @roberttydeman4771 8 місяців тому +3

    Yvonne Fair, Undisputed Truth, Nytro, Rose Royce, Stargard, plus more..his 70s period
    Amazing man I love his sound

  • @rawvision6701
    @rawvision6701 8 місяців тому +3

    That was very well done and informative.

  • @lawrencegillis67
    @lawrencegillis67 8 місяців тому +4

    The lyrics to Run Charlie Run from the All Directions Album the Temptations are still relevant today.

  • @TyroneEpps
    @TyroneEpps 8 місяців тому +5

    Whitfied 4- ever r.i.p. still have your songs 😢😢😢😢

  • @cynthiashields5341
    @cynthiashields5341 8 місяців тому +7

    I had no idea he produced so many hits!

  • @1599maybole
    @1599maybole 8 місяців тому +2

    Love Norman Whitfield. He made the definitive late Sixties early Seventies Motown sound. My favourite of his is Papa Was A Rolling Stone, few more powerful tracks than that one. Thanks for your video

  • @FranklinWilson-ev9dq
    @FranklinWilson-ev9dq 8 місяців тому +8

    Papa Was A Rolling Stone And The Carwash Soundtrack!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @valerie4501
    @valerie4501 8 місяців тому +2

    This Gentleman was an Absolute MUSIC GENIUS, i had no idea he actually Wrote, Produced such an Amazing Long List of Great Songs, OMG💥💥💯💯i was familiar with the Hits he had written mainly for the Temptations, despite his problems with the IRS which is very Common with many Wealthy individuals, especially in the Entertainment Business, a very UNWISE move on their part😮 it's simply NOT worth it, luckily Whitfield was able to AVOID any imprisonment, he was so Talented 💯💥💥💥.

  • @toyahill4151
    @toyahill4151 8 місяців тому +3

    Smiling faces is a favorite even velvelettes songs Norman produced top music yes!

  • @michaelcoffey7362
    @michaelcoffey7362 8 місяців тому +2

    WOW, Great songs 🥰, knows his stuff.

  • @blainecartwright574
    @blainecartwright574 8 місяців тому +1

    My favorite and the best producer ever !

  • @maratha563
    @maratha563 2 місяці тому

    I ❤love all of the Temptations music, but i always wondered who was the genius behind Berry Gordy's autocracy, as he was known for strict adherence to his rules. Now i know, Norman Whitfield was the musical mastermind behind the Motown Sound. He did a lot of great❤❤ producing, arranging and he knew a hit when he heard one. ❤

  • @generalinformation3507
    @generalinformation3507 8 місяців тому +4

    Norman Whitfield was one of the most unsung producers ever. He changed the motown sound from the 60s to the 70s. If it wasn't for him I'm sure the whole motown movement would have died in 1969🤔

  • @realLsf
    @realLsf 8 місяців тому +1

    Great production & even better hair

  • @RobertMcQuillan-my3du
    @RobertMcQuillan-my3du 4 місяці тому

    The Man ❤

  • @chrisschrecker5497
    @chrisschrecker5497 8 місяців тому

    Masterpiece is still a fabulous groove. Grover Washington Jr did a create rendition of it on Soul Box. Love that music. Grateful to my Father for sharing it with me.

  • @karlthomas7363
    @karlthomas7363 8 місяців тому +6

    you forgot one norman whitfield "just my imagination " by the temptations.

  • @Mightyoverevery1
    @Mightyoverevery1 8 місяців тому

    Wishing On A Star.🎼👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎹

  • @malalford
    @malalford 8 місяців тому +1

    ... & Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Eddie Holland were a major force together.

  • @EFunkRock
    @EFunkRock 8 місяців тому +2

    5:51 The back cover to The Temptations album “Masterpiece”.

  • @jameskirk278
    @jameskirk278 8 місяців тому +6

    I Can't Get Next To You, Papa Was A Rolling Stone.

  • @kc0lif
    @kc0lif 8 місяців тому +5

    norman Whitfield great songs.

  • @fredicagoillanoise1309
    @fredicagoillanoise1309 7 місяців тому

    Norman Whitfield as well as Barrett Strong and Roger Penzabene!! Three of the best!!

  • @marlonious7650
    @marlonious7650 8 місяців тому +3

    Which way is up came out when I was one year old and I remember it vividly. My parents are serious Richard Pryor fans. We would debate who's better, Smokey Robinson or Whitfield. Smokey brought some serious heat, but Whitfield had more material to judge. Whitfield for the win.

  • @rahimshahid1937
    @rahimshahid1937 8 місяців тому

    THANK YOU AWESOME VIDEO ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽😊

  • @bsquared4604
    @bsquared4604 8 місяців тому +1

    I love I wanna get next to you. It makes sense now why it sounds like a 60s motown song. you plus me equals love is my all time favorite and of course car wash. Never knew he did which way is up but that makes sense now too!

  • @claudebraddock9925
    @claudebraddock9925 8 місяців тому +16

    I think Norman Whitfield 's greatness was over shadowed by Holland Dozier and Holland but make no mistake Norman Whitfield was no joke and one of the greats bar none.

    • @saj8
      @saj8 8 місяців тому

      It was the other way around.

    • @Barmargroup
      @Barmargroup 8 місяців тому +3

      As far as the best peak performance HDH in 1964-67 was the best ever for Motown producers. Many of their hits went #1 Pop and R&B. Norman never accomplished that over a 3 year period

    • @fredicagoillanoise1309
      @fredicagoillanoise1309 7 місяців тому

      He finally got his proper shine once HDH left Motown to form Invictus/Hot Wax.

    • @fredicagoillanoise1309
      @fredicagoillanoise1309 7 місяців тому

      ​​@@saj8I don't believe so respectfully... HDH and Smokey had much power over creative direction at Motown because of their hitmaking streaks and Whitfield couldn't get anything in edgewise. As far as HDH, they were extremely ambitious and felt as if they deserved their own imprint and more money at Motown for their work.

  • @weotalks2810
    @weotalks2810 8 місяців тому +2

    He Did his Finest WORK WITH THE DENNIS EDWARDS TEMP

  • @carlbenson6412
    @carlbenson6412 8 місяців тому +2

    Runaway Child #1, War (Edwin Starr) #2

  • @RobertMcQuillan-my3du
    @RobertMcQuillan-my3du 4 місяці тому

    And the Steppin album ❤

  • @mactherealestateman
    @mactherealestateman 8 місяців тому +1

    Berry didn't hire Norman, Raynoma, Berry's wife did, and put him in QC. Whitfield was absolutely the best single producer that Motown ever had, but really didn't get the credit that he truly deserved. Well, him and Barrett Strong. Together, they had thise monster hits.

  • @mraims2plez
    @mraims2plez 7 місяців тому +1

    It's rediculous that "Cloud 9" is the first grammy for Motown!

  • @v.a.993
    @v.a.993 8 місяців тому

    Papa Was A Rolling Stone is epic! Just epic.

  • @Barmargroup
    @Barmargroup 8 місяців тому +2

    I can't choose just one but my top 5 would be
    1. Ain't to proud to beg
    2.Your my Everything
    3.I wanna get next to you
    4. Beauty's only skin deep
    5. Golden touch
    Honorable mention "Hum along and dance"- The Temptations among the 40 or more tracks that I really liked. Overall if you want to talk about longevity among the producers, Norman was the best producer ever at Motown BUT Holland-Dozier-Holland (1964-67), "The Corporation" and Smokey Robinson were the best overall producers if you want to talk in terms of peak performance in their prime.

  • @luizamorim1626
    @luizamorim1626 8 місяців тому +1

    'I can't get next to you' and 'Masterpiece', even though you haven't mentioned the latter in your video.

  • @d3mist0clesgee12
    @d3mist0clesgee12 8 місяців тому

    great stuff

  • @kamronrhodes5151
    @kamronrhodes5151 8 місяців тому +1

    See you there

  • @RobertMcQuillan-my3du
    @RobertMcQuillan-my3du 4 місяці тому

    The car wash Album is still amazing

  • @RobertMcQuillan-my3du
    @RobertMcQuillan-my3du 4 місяці тому

    And that pointer sisters first album is genius

    • @RobertMcQuillan-my3du
      @RobertMcQuillan-my3du 4 місяці тому

      Just checked Normans influence is prominent but he doesn't produce 😢

  • @Jamarkus-
    @Jamarkus- 5 місяців тому

    You’ve gotta do one on chairmen of the board

  • @cinnamonspice4389
    @cinnamonspice4389 8 місяців тому +4

    Ooh boy, do the dance, car wash and beauty is only skin deep and so many more. RIP

  • @djdarrylEclipsrcsnyc
    @djdarrylEclipsrcsnyc Місяць тому

    Thank you. Mr. Whitfield. And he's fine too. Any man with an Afro.

  • @robertpea9198
    @robertpea9198 8 місяців тому

    Believe he co wrote " Girl's Alright With Me with Eddie Holland, early Temptations hit

  • @bienvile104
    @bienvile104 5 місяців тому

    He was the best song writer of all time

  • @Israelgreen-t8n
    @Israelgreen-t8n 18 днів тому

    Norman Whitfield was a great songwriter / producer he is surely missed psychedelic soul lives on

  • @barneybrown2092
    @barneybrown2092 8 місяців тому +1

    His best, in my opinion, is "I Want to Get Next to You" by Rose Royce.

  • @JohnAlston-ib2ij
    @JohnAlston-ib2ij 3 місяці тому

    I heard it through the grapevine my favorite

  • @bak-mariterry9143
    @bak-mariterry9143 8 місяців тому +2

    You forgot RARE EARTH.

  • @dappdaddy33
    @dappdaddy33 8 місяців тому +1

    Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell the Mighty 3 produced the GREATEST COLLECTION of music ever the Philly Sound/Soul💯✔️…Norman Whitfield top ten✔️…Bobby Martin also of Philly Sound is underrated, Curtis Mayfield also great producer during that era💯✔️…

    • @sirjer73
      @sirjer73 8 місяців тому +1

      It was an incredible era of artist, producers, arrangers, and song writers!!!

  • @sirjefferson4790
    @sirjefferson4790 8 місяців тому +3

    Poppa Was A Rolling Stone

  • @mikescully6972
    @mikescully6972 8 місяців тому +2

    Have you done one on Freddie Parren?

    • @WBPTV
      @WBPTV  8 місяців тому +2

      He’s on my list

  • @d19j62
    @d19j62 8 місяців тому +1

    Angel in the sky by Rose Royce

  • @wyanetonsongsthatareeasyto8112
    @wyanetonsongsthatareeasyto8112 8 місяців тому +2

    Smiling facies by undisputed

  • @derricklester9210
    @derricklester9210 8 місяців тому

    I would like to know the songs he produced in the 80s. For the gap band my favorite got to be Smiling. Face by the UT there are 3 songs that Norman Winfield wrote that are written in the same vibe 1. Papa was a rolling stone 2 Smiling Faces sometimes 3 Masterpiece

    • @WBPTV
      @WBPTV  8 місяців тому

      “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” it peaked #14 on the Billboard R&B Charts.

  • @richbumdrop2881
    @richbumdrop2881 Місяць тому

    Left out rare earth

  • @billybotts9521
    @billybotts9521 8 місяців тому

    Cloud Nine👍🏾

  • @richbumdrop2881
    @richbumdrop2881 6 місяців тому

    His lovely daughter,died recently,quite young

  • @andylumehriverofliferev.2254
    @andylumehriverofliferev.2254 8 місяців тому

    Norman Whitfield put his hands in his pocket and pulled out a large wad of folded Dollar Bills, and showed it to the band members.
    ❤ He said : You see all this?,
    I got it from from producing great music and great songs.
    How much do you get paid?
    . ❤Now you all go back into that vocal booth and sing your songs, while I produce.
    ❤ He told The band members of the temptations. When they came to Nornan Whitfield. telling him that his music production was not good enough for their songs.
    All this according to biography of Barry Gordy. Manager of Motown.

  • @rodneyscott2108
    @rodneyscott2108 8 місяців тому

    It’s a toss up between can’t get next to you and BALL OF CONFUSION!

  • @kamronrhodes5151
    @kamronrhodes5151 8 місяців тому +1

    Remastered

  • @richbumdrop2881
    @richbumdrop2881 6 місяців тому

    I know I'm losing you, Rare earth, ecology album,shocking

  • @Tony-xm7qi
    @Tony-xm7qi 7 місяців тому

    N. WHITEFIELD WAS A BEAST!
    BAR NONE!

  • @kamronrhodes5151
    @kamronrhodes5151 8 місяців тому +3

    Norman Took advantage of Rose Royce he ripped them off

    • @nicollantiago
      @nicollantiago 8 місяців тому

      I hadn't heard of that. Shame on him.

    • @kamronrhodes5151
      @kamronrhodes5151 8 місяців тому

      @@nicollantiago yep i know

    • @EFunkRock
      @EFunkRock 8 місяців тому +1

      The UnSung episode of Rose Royce discusses this. Wow.

  • @angeloalimstowers4238
    @angeloalimstowers4238 10 днів тому

    Undisputed Truth was Dusty

  • @SupremeJ10
    @SupremeJ10 5 місяців тому

    Norman Wittfield and Barrett Strong took Motown out of love songs into the funk, message in the music with The Temptations

  • @directfighter225
    @directfighter225 8 місяців тому

    Did he play any piano

  • @ezekielmajor5511
    @ezekielmajor5511 8 місяців тому

    Car Wash and Which Way is Up

  • @andylumehriverofliferev.2254
    @andylumehriverofliferev.2254 8 місяців тому +1

    ❤❤ About that song, Car wash... from band Rose Royce. The girl who was lead singer was girl friend of producer Norman Whitfield.
    One time he went to meet her at the airport as she arrived.
    ❤❤Norman Whitefield brought to her a long white fur coat and drapped it on her,
    saying.
    ❤ Woman, you are a super star now. and you need to look the like a star. ..Here, Wear this long white fur coat as you walk through the airport.
    ❤She gladly accepted the fur coat on her.. That white fur coat gave her status in the eyes of all the passengers.
    ❤ That song Car Wash...
    sold millions of copies on the billboard charts. For several months.
    Jesus Christ is Lord.

  • @angeloalimstowers4238
    @angeloalimstowers4238 10 днів тому

    Roger Penzebene wrote i wish it would rain I could never love another you are my everything give him credit for help writing that song

  • @AJ547-qw6zm
    @AJ547-qw6zm 7 місяців тому

    "CAN"T GET NEXT TO YOU" - I CAN BUILD A CASTLE FROM A SINGLE GRAIN OF SAND - AND I CAN MAKE A SHIP SAIL UH ON DRY LAND -------- ICONIC LYRICS.