In the rich annals of Detroit music, Barrett Strong was among the songwriting giants. But on Saturday, he was remembered largely the way his family knew him best: as a beloved father, brother, uncle and grandfather.
Strong, the cowriter of mega Motown hits such as “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” was mourned and celebrated during a 90-minute funeral at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple church.
About 200 people, mostly family members and close friends, attended the service, which came five weeks after Strong’s death in LaJolla, California, at age 81. Among the flowers arranged by his casket in the church was a pink-and-white wreath of roses sent by Motown founder Berry Gordy.
“Every now and then, you’re blessed to be a part of special people’s lives, who made an indelible impression that will last throughout the ages,” said Bishop Charles Ellis III.
Strong, who died Jan. 28 after a series of health issues, was a key figure at Motown Records from its earliest days — recording the 1959 hit “Money (That’s What I Want)” before teaming with producer Norman Whitfield to cowrite a slew of top tunes, including a run with the Temptations that netted the pair a Grammy Award. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.
Those achievements were among the accolades in a State of Michigan proclamation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and recited Saturday by state Sen. Rosemary Bayer.
“May his family know of our admiration for his artistry, and our deepest condolences for your loss,” Bayer read.
Strong’s work for the Tempts, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips and others ranged from the whimsical and idyllic (“Just My Imagination [Running Away With Me]”) to the edgy and streetwise (“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”). He was saluted Saturday as a musical icon who “literally changed the world with his songwriting,” as the Motown Museum’s Sharri Watkins said.
But for those closest to the late songwriter, Saturday was about memorializing a man who was “family-first no matter what,” said his son Chelson Strong.
Those relatives and friends remembered him as a kind and generous soul who nevertheless was a no-nonsense straight shooter. His Monte Vista Street neighbors affectionately called him “Daddy Strong,” recounting days of playing backyard basketball with him and visitors such as Marvin Gaye.
Strong was eulogized by Ellis in a service that included a stirring rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by gospel star Bill Moss Jr.
Daughter Mignon Strong said her father’s strength of spirit persisted through his final days.
“Even as his body began to fail him, his mind was so strong,” she said. “His will to live was so strong.”
Strong may have left this world, Ellis said during the eulogy, but through his musical contributions, his legacy endures.
“When he’s gone, he’s still giving melodies to the world,” Ellis said.
Gaye’s recording of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was accompaniment to the recessional at Greater Grace, as pallbearers carried Strong’s casket to a waiting funeral coach. From there, a Wayne County Sheriff convoy escorted the procession to Woodlawn Cemetery, where Strong was buried Saturday afternoon.
Strong left behind seven children, a sister, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.
