CNN reports that long time Motown producer Norman Whitfield has passed away at 67, today, Sept 16, 2008.  

In a statement, Motown great Smokey Robinson hailed Whitfield as “one of the most prolific songwriters and record producers of our time. He will live forever through his great music.”

Among Whitfield’s songs, according to the Songwriters Hall Web site, are “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” “Cloud Nine” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” all hits for the Temptations; and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” a 1969 hit for Marvin Gaye. 

- from the CNN web report

He was a great artist, and is credited to being one of the creators of the Motown sound.  A native of Harlem, New York, Norman moved to Michigan to hang around the Motown offices at age 19, hoping to work for the growing label that time.

Through persistence he was hired for the quality control department which determined which songs was published by the label.  He eventually rose the ranks until he became one of the label’s songwriters.

More about Norman Whitfield can be accessed right here.

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