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mark C
October 18, 2024
Thank you for the best memories of my life and I am over 70 y.o
S F H Shaheed
December 29, 2019
I simply want to say thanks for all of the powerful and meaningful lyrics and compositions that helped to shape my worldview in my formative years. As he influenced the Temptations, he influenced and inspired millions of minds in the 1960s and 1970s. We need more like Norman Whitfield today. I woke up today with Take a Look Around on my mind today. I played it a few times and visited this Legacy site. I am grateful to have lived in an era influenced by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Increasing the PEACE,
~SFHS
~Hajj 2017
November 18, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My condolence to the Family's...
Sharon Brown
October 20, 2017
9/15/08 our last phone conversation...divinely special for us both considering how very sick and close to transition you were You passed the next day
I .....Thank JEHOVAH for being able to say to you when mattered most I LOVE YOU NORMAN !! and you reply I Love You Too
Thank You for .......The transfer......HELLO LA
LONG LIVE THE HITMAKER
Lois Weiss
July 16, 2017
truly commended for your efforts and expertise in the music industry. u r very much missed
Nazarene Mckinney
March 13, 2017
Motown was successful because of the skills, knowledge, and talents of all the dedicated personnel. You left everlasting memories for all generations!
Ariella Hiykel-Kelly
June 6, 2016
What a GREAT artist. What a GREAT loss. Time to put the pen and paper down. No more rhymes. Job well done. It's time to rest. Thank you for your contribution to music. You were the BEST!!
London Fisher
October 25, 2014
Norman, you and I had so many late nights at Twain's. I miss our talks and our friendship. I will see you on the other side.
Peace
Joyce
January 4, 2014
Thanks you,much love to the family
MARVIN WHITFIELD
May 5, 2013
GOD BE WITH YOU UNCLE NORMAN!
Ruby King-Carswell
March 18, 2012
I never met you but you are responsible for the love I have for music and Motown. RIP Mr. Whitfield, your music lives on.
July 13, 2010
The years may come and go but the memories of our love ones, will live on forever in our hearts.
God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
June 5, 2010
What "GREAT TALENT" Mr.Whitfield had.I among many numerous people world wide enjoy all the "BEAUTIFUL"songs written and produced by this elegant man.To the family we always remember the music left by Mr.Whitfield,these all are legacies of "LOVE" to be "TREASURED"
teresa binion
May 3, 2010
All the good songs will live on. Thank you for creating Roce Royce.
Barbara Ann King
January 27, 2010
To The Whitfield Family: I am so sorry he is no longer here with us, but do know that he is still here with us in spirit. I pray that you all will be comforted by these words:
Try to remember that a GOOD man never dies; You will see him many times.
You will feel him in all things that are here out of love, and for love.
The person of a man may leave or be taken away, but the best part of a GOOD man stays. It stays FOREVER!
Fortune Vereen
November 23, 2009
Thank you for all the memories.
Fortune
Louis Roberts
October 17, 2008
Love all of your hits
The Undisputed Truth
Virginia McDonald
October 3, 2008
Norman
You brought out the Best in me as an Artist! and our work theyshows it. Rest in peace my Friend. and Thank you for always pushing me! Love, peace and all the memories
"Vee" from the Undisputed Truth
Pamela Brown
October 2, 2008
Uncle Norman was not only a great man but a great uncle. I love him and miss him. He always had great advice. I'll cherish our moments forever.
Love You Uncle
Pam Brown
September 30, 2008
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Janice Richardson
September 29, 2008
Saddened by your leaving. I know that David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Melvin Franklin are waiting on you to enter the gate, so is Marvin and Tammi, your greatest bass player James Jamerson is up there too. Do justice up in heaven and entertain the Lord now. Rest in Peace my friend.
Amy Warren Patterson
September 27, 2008
Very Sad, I was in love with many of the songs he produced/wrote. Well, Motown singers up in heaven, here comes Norman to make it a little better, I send my sympathy to the family. 2008 has taken many greats and Norman is one of the chosen few. Rest in Peace.
Larry Buford
September 27, 2008
STORMIN’ NORMAN WHITFIELD!
One by one the Motown legends are leaving us. Norman Whitfield, producer and songwriter of many of the Motown hits that are still on the airwaves today with regularity, died from complications of diabetes on Tuesday September 16th at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Detroit Free Press Pop Music Writer, Brian McCollum described Whitfield’s Motown contribution as helping to “push Motown beyond the sweet melodies and puppy-love tales of its early days into edgier, more expansive sounds.” When I read that, I wondered if readers, especially the generation that came after the Motown “Heyday” would understand what that meant. I hope this will help.
In early 1966 I watched the Temptations debut their new hit single “Get Ready” written by the legendary Smokey Robinson. Up to that point, Robinson was the exclusive producer on the “Tempts” with songs like “The Way You Do The Things You Do”; “My Girl”; It’s Growing”; “Don’t Look Back”; and “Since I Lost My Baby”. Those songs were phenomenal. The musical and vocal arrangements were so innocent; so personal; and the Tempts were like the background music for a Black version of the comic book characters Archie & Veronica. Listen to them sing Smokey’s “What Love Has Joined Together” and you’ll get the idea. Well after watching the group sing “Get Ready” on TV that night, I was so taken by what I had heard and seen that I could not sleep, and I believe that’s what really got me thinking seriously about songwriting.
A few months later however, the Tempts came out with a new record called “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”; and when I first heard it I thought, “hey what’s happening here…these are not my Temptations!” I really couldn’t stand the song. It sounded like they had just walked out of our comfortable living room, and took to the streets! It was like I didn’t know them anymore; that they were abandoning us; but then…it grabbed me! The tension in that song helped me define the teenage turmoil I was experiencing at the time. Norman Whitfield had grabbed the baton from Smokey Robinson, and taken the Tempts to a new level!
I was always one to read the credits on the records (‘45’s we called them then), and one name that kept coming up on the string of hits to follow – “Beauty’s Only Skin Deep”; I’m Losin’ You; and “Wish It Would Rain” etc. - was “Whitfield”. And it appeared in various combinations with a list of names like Barrett Strong; Cornelius Grant; Roger Penzabene; Eddie Holland; Janie Bradford; and others. It was a very impressive line-up looking back on the discographies. Whitfield could take an already great song into a whole different realm. Listen again to the transformation of the Tempts’ version of “Too Busy Thinkin’ ‘Bout My Baby, into the superb Marvin Gaye version; or Gladys Knight and the Pips’ version of “Heard It Through The Grapevine” that became a Marvin Gaye mega-hit! It was masterful!
Although Mr. Whitfield had many, many more successes, I wanted to emphasize a little more his contribution to the great historic Motown sound. God bless him, and may he rest in peace.
Russ Terrana
September 26, 2008
Norman
You are truly the original "One Of A Kind". Your talents and professional abilities were second to your friendship. I was blessed to have worked on so many history making projects with you. I will carry you in my mind and heart for ever. Thank You for all you have done and are still doing.
Bertha Barbee-McNeal - a Velvelette
September 26, 2008
Norman was one of the Velvelette's main producers at Motown. I remember he would always make us feel a part of his songs by allowing us to share in creating the background vocals. Norman was a gifted composer and lyricist, his music helped get our nation through the tough times of civil unrest and war. He leaves behind a legacy of music around the world that will live in hearts forever. We Velvelettes love you Norman.
Arthur Stewart
September 24, 2008
To the family of Norman, may God Almighty continue to bless and keep you always, during this difficult time. It was a pleasure, and honor to work with Norman. I gained a wealth
of knowledge, working with him, as one of Motown's recording engineer's. Thank you Whit
Art Stewart
Diane Martin
September 23, 2008
My Dear Norman:
You whisked me away from Motown to set up Fort Knox Studios and treated me like a queen the whole time. The big TV, velvet sofa and brass lamps in my office spoiled me for all other employers since. Rest well and know that you 'are' loved.
Ken Marco
September 23, 2008
Yours..... is the music of our life!! You touched us all.
Bob Babbitt
September 22, 2008
I can only wish and hope that the ones who know about Norman keep spreading his story to the people and that everyone becomes aware of his enormous talent!
Bob Babbitt
Kenneth Spider Webb Rice
September 22, 2008
I had the pleasure of playing drums on a few of Normans hits. One thing that really stood out in my mind was when ever he would enter Studio A he would Yell one two one two three four he loved writing and producing so much he was always ready before he entered the recording studio he was always excited and passionate about the music. Playing on Cloud Nine was a wonderful experience for me. Thanks Norman i'll never forget you. May you rest in peace.
Stephanie Reynolds Mason The Reynolds & Mason Family
September 22, 2008
How great thou art. God is gracious to alllow his great creativity to pass through this legandary and talented songwriter(Norman Whitfield). His musical expressions will live forever. Let us press toward the mark of the high calling of God and we to can live forever. Keep live muisic and creativity alive. Thanks for the music, we wont forget.
CORNELIUS GRANT
September 22, 2008
I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO CO-WRITE & PLAY GUITAR WITH SUCH A TALENTED PRODUCER.
Patricia S. Cosby
September 22, 2008
Norman,
Everytime I think of you, I find myself smiling ...then laughing at some of the comedic antics, or witty remarks that could only come from you!
Thank you for gracing my life with your friendship. You shall always remain my brother in spirit.
A "Masterpiece" in every way ...you have blessed the world with your gift of music ...THANK YOU!!
Much love,
pat
Janie Bradford
September 22, 2008
Norman
There was only one you. You wrote your own songs, danced to your own music, followed your own path and most of all you were true to yourself.
I Will miss your uncensored wit.
Caldin (aka Carol) Street
September 22, 2008
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Norman Whitfield, especially during the earlier years at Motown Records. Norman was a great friend of the Velvelettes. As lead singer, I can honestly say that Norman was a true friend and confidant. I always thought of him as a big brother. He authored two of the songs that launched the Velvelettes into the international music scene - "Needle In A Haystack" and "He Was Really Sayin' Something" are two of the unforgettable songs that Norman wrote for us, and we are forever grateful for his interest in and support of our group. God bless you Norman Whitfield for all you did to add value to so many lives. Peace and blessings to your family during this time of loss and great sorrow. Please know that you are being remembered in our prayers.
Love,
Cal (aka Carol) Street
lead singer for the Velvelettes
Brother Norman Whitfield
September 21, 2008
Norman Whitfield in his prime!
September 21, 2008
Norman Whitfield in the early days!
September 21, 2008
Jack Ashford
September 21, 2008
Norman,
It was a great musical journey,and it was a pleasure to have taken it with you.
"The Desert Dog"
John Lester
September 21, 2008
Thank you for providing the musical soundtrack to my life.
[email protected] Jackson
September 21, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Michael Davis
September 20, 2008
I just lost my friend,Popcorn Wiley.Next Norman Whitfield.Two great talents will be miss. God bless both familys.
Glen Rivara
September 20, 2008
Norman Whitfield contributed to something that is a part of us all. This week we lost three people who contributed a lot to music lovers worldwide. The other two were Richard Wright from Pink Floyd who wrote, played keyboards and sang on some of the most popular albums of all time and Earl Palmer who played drums on many many great popular recordings. Can you imagine what it sounds like now in heaven to hear them all playing together!
Harold Yarborough
September 20, 2008
It was not 'Just My Imagination' that I had the good fortune to grow up on 'Cloud Nine' listening to the wonderful music Mr. Whitfield was the mastermind behind.For over 40 years I have marvelled at the extraordinary music he was responsible for, and continue to be entertained by the body of work he left behind. Rest In Peace Norman.You will always be admired and will never be forgotten.
Joni Smith
September 20, 2008
All of Mr. Whitfield's songs have an enduring quality, that when I hear them today, it's as if I was listening to them for the first time.
One more musical angel to add to the heaven's repetoire. May you rest in peace.
J. Smith
Chandler, AZ.
Norman (Puncho) McLeod. (aka DJ HARD-DRIVE)
September 20, 2008
We loss one the great's of all time.
Norman Whitfield will be missed.
God bless Norman Whitfield and his family.
Gale Allen
September 20, 2008
God bless you Mr. Whitfield. Your music, your great talents, will always be with us.
Sincerely,
Gale Allen
Marcelyn Ann Clifton
September 20, 2008
My sincer sympithy to the family and many dear friends and fans,of Mr.Norman Whitfield.Just think what a joyful noise it is in heaven today with all that soul up there, it truely is a Soul Heaven, GOD bless and i hope he keeps you strong.
Justin Boncore
September 20, 2008
Great Man , Great Talent , God Bless Mr. Whitfield ......
v. kali
September 20, 2008
most certainly, the 60's would NOT have been the same without the man OR his music/the lives of my generation were funded by the sheer brilliance of his soul/what he created and spread around the world, challenged our thinking, sharpened our minds and opened our hearts. thank you, norman whitfield for passing this way, and we thank your family for sharing you with us. your poetry created the space for me to develop my own craft as a paint-by-numbers with my own personal soundtrack. peace and blessings......
wj kelly
September 20, 2008
thank you for the legacy of music you gave us
Darnell L. Ray
September 19, 2008
To the Whitfield Family,
A piece of history will live forever in my heart. Thank you Norman for the words that was delighted in my childhood years. God bless you!
O. Griffin
September 19, 2008
A born legend will be miss and welcome in heaven. RIP dear one.
JW
September 19, 2008
It's ironic that VH1 would air the Temptations and then i find out of Norman Whitfield's passing. He leaves behind a legacy of good music that will forever play on.
Clara Berry
September 19, 2008
I had the honor of meeting Norman, back in1999,through my son who worked for him.I know he will be dearly missed. MY prayers are with his entire family. Jesus loves you all. Berry Family. Bay City Mi
Teri Rowell
September 19, 2008
Gone but not forgotten. What a wonderful song writer he was. His music will live forever. He should be up there now sharing his latest composition with the Lord.
Carmen Anderson
September 19, 2008
I have almost every Temptations CD's available..Norm's name is honored on most of the songs recorded. What a loss I personally suffer to know that he will no longer be here. I love his music. that he teamed with The Funk Brothers and The Temptations. You are now in the Heavens writing music for our Father In Heaven!
Ms. Anita D. Hoskins
September 19, 2008
To the Whitfield Family:
I didn't know Norman personally, but I feel as though I did. He will definetly be missed.There will be never be another man like him far as the music world. Heaven has welcomed a music genius among the other great angels that went home before him.
James Wilson
September 19, 2008
Wow! I cant believe it...I'm so sorry for your loss. I know this is a very difficult time for family and friends, but there is an old saying;"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning....He was a very talented man that the whole world will greatly miss! My prayers go out to y'all.
Terri Biles
September 19, 2008
I really loved the music,but now i will enjoy the memory. You will be sadly missed.
Rest in peace!!!!!
Barbara
September 19, 2008
Your legacy will live on forever. I grew up listening to your music, as did my children and now their children. So, as many have said, Thank you for sharing your talent with the world, you will be missed and your music will go on.
Nelson / Sanders & Families
September 19, 2008
To The Norman Whitfield Family
My God Comfort you in your time of
Sorrow.
God has gained another Angel.
Our Families in Grand Rapids, Mich
and Detroit, MI was raised on Norman's Music. Dancing, Singing and Skating to the everlasting Motown Sound !!
Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Memories Linger
ALFONZO 'OBannon
September 19, 2008
ALFONZO O'BANNON
Nina & Christopher Parker
September 19, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Emma Henderson
September 19, 2008
May the family of this great talent remember all the talent that he gave to the world and that they enjoyed equally.God bless.
Charles Crouther Jr.
September 19, 2008
Thank you for some of the most beautiful songs of our times.
Florence
September 18, 2008
To the family of this beautifully gifted lyricist, most of us never had the pleasure of meeting him, but having been brought up in the music of the past 50 years, I must tell you I've never had more fun dancing and singing with my friends than when we sing, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Honey, Won't You Be Mine?)"....it's definitely a sing-a-long...and will always lift your spirits! While I appreciated all of his music, this one is a keeper, just as your loved one was! God bless you all.
It's a shame we can't tell these wonderful people, other than buying their albums,how much their music meant to us in a personal way.
CVW
September 18, 2008
Mr. Whitfield- may you continue to compose , co-write and continue to jam with those who are already there.Listening to your music always takes me back to the exact time and place of where I was good or bad. Thanks for all of the good-ole-days music - there will never EVER be anything else like it. RIP my brother.
Peggy & Pamela Hunter
September 18, 2008
To the Whitfield Family,
Thanks for sharing such a great man with such a great talent with the rest of the world.
We will forever enjoy his music.
Rosalind Thomas
September 18, 2008
Thanks for all that great music Mr Whitfield! My condolences to your family
Linda Eversole
September 18, 2008
Rest in Peace, Norman. Thank you for your musical contributions - your legacy will live on.
kobie sweeney
September 18, 2008
to the whitfield family
im so sorry for ur lost.
a fan of his work love it all.
Vinston Davis
September 18, 2008
I may have never met you but you are a true great song writer may your music live forever.
Vinston Davis
Las vegas NV
Mary Jeffers
September 18, 2008
In Memory of Norman Whitfield: I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the movie, "The Temptations", which aired on VH1 on last night and actor Mel Jackson played you well. You were very talented. Thank you for your contributions to the many, many songs you wrote for the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and the many others in Motown, Gordy, and Tamla records. You will be sorely missed.
E Meredith
September 18, 2008
Norman, it is true your legacy will live on. Motown was built on your shoulders, and The Temps wouldn't be remembered today without your contribution. Rest well... May your afterlife be filled with beautiful music... A 60's child. EM
Diego Montes
September 18, 2008
He will be missed.
Diane Harvey
September 18, 2008
Thanks for the memories. Look forward to more hits in the next lifetime!
Patricia
September 18, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Micheal L. Nesbitt
September 18, 2008
Rest in peace. you were the best.
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Carol Bernardini
September 18, 2008
THANKS FOR WRITING SOME OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
Pat Starr
September 18, 2008
I grew up in the 60's listening to Mr. Whitfield's music and it is so much a part of that time. He was a very talented and inspiring man and will be greatly missed.
PAT BOHANNON
September 18, 2008
SO SORRY FOR THIS LOSS, MY PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY. I LOVE EVERY ONE OF THOSE SONGS AND HIM FOR WRITING THEM AND THE PEOPLE THAT SANG THEM. MAY THE FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN MEMORIES OF HIM, SINCERLY.
Barbara Johnson
September 18, 2008
My deepest sympathy go out to Norman's family. This man was a legend, I grew up on all of the songs he wrote. Even to this day when I hear one of those songs, they bring back certain feelings. That's when songs told a story and expressed feelings. I will miss the talent of this man, but he will continue to live on in his music.
Eileen
September 18, 2008
What a lyrical genius! As a teen in the 60's and 70's his words brought meaning to the songs I listened to, fell in love to, and grew my political views of the times. Another great of that era gone onto greater glory. May he Rest in Peace and may his family have peace in the knowledge of the positive influence he had on so many through his lyrics.
Gail Floyd
September 18, 2008
He will be truely missed I grew up with these songs ...
Rev. Anthony Gomez
September 18, 2008
Revlation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. There have many called Home, but we need to each be prepared for when our time comes, to use the talents He has given each of us to praise Him for allowing us to be reconciled back to Him through the death, burial and resurection of Christ for each of our sins, as your family prepares for the Home-going celebration, show all those that come into contact with you that you are trusting our Father to guide and direct each of your paths for we too one day will have to translate over the Jordan. May the grace of our Savior be with you all. Yours in Christ. Now with all those writers, producers, singers, musicans, that have already translated we will perhaps hear a greater version of the Crusaders during a recording session, one take and we will be just amazed at the sound produced. Remember Psalm 62:11 Once has He spoken, twice have I heard all power belongs unto Him.
Cecile Thalley
September 18, 2008
Mr. Whitfield's music took me from elementary school, through high school and college graduation, to adulthood. It is classic and timeless. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
James "Bonz" Hill
September 18, 2008
May God continue to watch over and bless each of you as you go thru this difficult time. He will live on through his music and all of the memories associated with his music. He was truly an inspiration to me as a young Black male growning up in the 60's and 70's. Keep your hand in God's Hand, continue to trust in Him and he'll sustain you. He will definitely be missed.
CHRISTINA PARKS
September 18, 2008
Sincerest Condolences to the family.
Angela
September 18, 2008
I am so very sorry to hear of Norman's passing. The songs he wrote were my favorites. I know this is a difficult time for you, but may Gods promise to bring an end to death comfort you (Revelation 21:4).
glenn masters
September 18, 2008
Your music -your mentality -it will live on-your legacy will live on-the world just lost one of it's most creative minds.during the 1960's;it was a radical time -you were there for us with our music. i was just last week talking about -"beauties only skin deep "
Darla
September 18, 2008
The talent of Norman Whitfield will be missed.
I loved the songs he wrote, and the people/groups who made those songs famous.
May he rest in peace, and may God comfort his loved ones.
Susan H.
September 18, 2008
While you are mourning the loss of a loved one, others are rejoicing to meet them behind the veil.
Jim Dinehart
September 18, 2008
I grew up on the Motown Sound, and the music & lyrics of this man. We will never hear the music, or see the likes of this man ever again. God bless you, Mr. Whitfied, and my sympathy to your family on their loss.
MARIA BUTLER
September 18, 2008
TO THE FAMILY OF MR. WHITFIELD:
HE WAS A GREAT SONG WRITER. NO ONE WRITES SONGS ANY MORE LIKE THOSE HE WROTE. MR. WHITFIELD WILL SURELY BE MISSED.
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