NORMAN WHITFIELD 1941-2008

Bad day for the American black music.

One of the best 60’s and 70’s Motown producer passed away Tuesday.

He has been one of the most prolific songwriter/producer for Motown, he did his reputation producing and co/writing songs and hits like:

“papa was rolling stone” for The Tempations or ” I heard it through the grapevine” for Marvin gaye…and

David ruffin, Jr walker,Willie Hutch etc…

He has been the first at Motown to extend the songs to 12 mn, with experimentations including distorted guitars, sound effects ,multi tracked drums with pretentious chords arrangments.

In the the 70’s he took motown sound into a more Psychedelic direction, very inspired by the dark side of funk…everyone should listen to the hypnotic/psychedelic/space funk record:

UNDISPUTED TRUTH ” Higher than High”