The Temptations – “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” (1972)

September 18, 2008 at 3:43 pm (Motown)

In tribute to Motown songwriter and producer Norman Whitfield who passed away yesterday at the age of 67. He wrote and produced many classics for Motown, including this song, as well as “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Pride and Joy” for Marvin Gaye, “Car Wash” for Rose Royce and “War” for Edwin Starr, and many other songs besides. Whitfield was basically responsible for updating the Motown sound in the late-60s, early-70s. His productions for The Temptations (of which there were many) are probably his most celebrated. The Temps did a brilliant job on this song.
He is a true legend and an unsung hero. May he rest in peace.