> Norman Whitfield, one of the most successful and influential songwriter/producers to emanate from the formidable stable of Motown Records, died Tuesday at the age of 65. Whitfield co-wrote and/ or produced many hits for the label, including “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Cloud Nine,” “Ball of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination,” “War,” the Grammy-winning “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and many others. Whitfield had struggled for months with complications from diabetes and had recently emerged from a coma. A ‘Behind the Music’ moment: the “Car Wash” soundtrackNorman Whitfield had been commissioned to record the … Continue reading >Norman Whitfield, Legendary Songwriter/ Producer, Dead At 65

> Former Motown president/CEO Jheryl Busby has died. The veteran label executive passed away yesterday. According to sources, although he had some serious health issues including diabetes, he died as a result of slipping in his jacuzzi and striking his head. Our thoughts and prayers to go out to his family and many friends. The Los Angeles native was 59 years old. He launched his music industry career as a regional rep at Stax Records. In the early ’80s he held promotion posts at several labels, including Casablanca, CBS, A&M and Atlantic. In 1988 he became president/CEO of Motown. During … Continue reading >Former Motown President Jheryl Busby has died