By Gee (24.236.160.80) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 04:38 pm:

With so much dicussion about Norman on the Otis Thread I figured I would start this one. Go for it Vince

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 04:53 pm:

Norman is extremely forthright, egotistical and exceptionally talented. He is also very funny, friendly and just a lot of fun to be around. Norman was a real friend to me all the years I knew him. If any artists have a problem wih him it's because he made them work their asses off in the studio and didn't accept any complainng. Hell, he was working TWICE as hard as they were.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 04:55 pm:

I second that emotion Ralph!!

By Tony Russi (208.61.160.184) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:05 pm:

I've never heard any of the artists I know say anything bad about Norman Whitfield.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:08 pm:

Tony,
True. An artist was fortunate to be able to work with the guy. A hit record was fairly certain. What's not to like?

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:09 pm:

On the other thread is the first I've heard that he was disliked by anybody. He seems to be very funny and friendly. Apparently, his being extremely forthright, egotistical and exceptionally talented, was a positive for those artist who was lucky enough to record for him.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:11 pm:

Absolutely Sis.

By Livonia Ken (136.1.1.33) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:10 pm:

Sometimes these threads with presumptive titles lead the conversation in a way that it wouldn't naturally go. There's enough people with first hand experience around these parts that you could probably get folks to spin off a bunch of fascinating yarns by asking a more open-ended question like "How did artists and technicians get along with Norman Whitfield"? Or just making the thread title "Norman Whitfield". As this one stands, I have no idea what the source of the statement was. Was it something in Otis' book? Was it some specific artist or technician?, etc.

Asking why he was disliked in the subject header is just gonna stir up the vitriol of those who dislike him and put those who do like him on the defensive. In the meantime, the thread title sits out there as if it were a headline proclaiming with certainty that people and artists don't like Norman Whitfield.

I'm not applying for the job of moderator, I just don't want to see a thread pop up some day saying, "For how long has Ken been smoking crack". No matter how much I denied it in the body of the thread, everyone who sees the subject would read that I'm a crack head. Maybe that's a bad example since they might get that impression from my posting history as well, though...

Regards,
Ken

P.S. "Why do all Germans love David Hasslehoff?"

By Uptight! (24.55.1.131) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:39 pm:

Funny, Ken. Yeah, we've seen this before--Subject titles like this one can start commotion within the SD family. I agree...a more open-ended question like, "How did artists and technicians get along with Norman Whitfield?" would have been better.

By jrlo (169.3.74.205) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:40 pm:

Isn't it true that the Temptations didn't like working with Norman, or was it just something Otis mentioned in his memoirs/movie? He had mentioned that Norman was too much into the electronic music, not too many vocals like "in Pappa was a Rolling stone", the sounds of Psychadelic shack and Cloud nine.
I have no opinion about that since I liked the music, it's just that Otis and Dennis Edwards were kind of vocal about it. My husband loves the "old" pre Dennis Temps style and he told me he didnt' like it when Norman produced them...

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.162.3) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:55 pm:

Norman was my main man, we had lot of fun,
WELDON

By Russ Terana (198.178.8.81) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 07:25 pm:

I had the great pleasure to work on countless projects with "Wit". He knew what he wanted but was alway open for any creative choices. He was the master when it came to producing vocals. I use to get a kick out of how he handled various artists. I remember how if an artist ego got in the way, Norman would make the artist feel like they could not sing, then build them back up and get the preformance that made the difference between a hit and a miss. I learned so much from Wit, plus had a great time with him. He knew how to deliver!!!!

By jack (68.210.71.163) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 07:31 pm:

The best friend that I ever had ,Jack Ashford

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 08:04 pm:

I think that the Temps were a little upset when Norman was using Dennis's voice and the backgrounds as a covering for it. Norman is very talented and the Temps owe a lot to him. I dont think anyone thinks badly of norman he waited a long time at Motown to get his break,
Stephanie PS Hi Mr Tambourine Man Jack Ashford

By SPYDER (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 08:25 pm:

NORMAN HAS BEEN, STILL IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY BIG BROTHER. I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM WHIT THAT I AM THANKFUL FOR. LUV DAT BROTHER
HEY JACK, LETS GO GET HIM AND HEAD OVER THE MOUNTIAN TO WHERE WE USED TO GO.
LUV YOU TO MY BROTHER,,,,,,,,,,,SPYDER

By Dennis Coffey (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 08:56 pm:

Norman was the first producer to get me in at Motown. He always treated me right and I enjoyed working for him.

By Don (68.75.191.178) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 09:03 pm:

I must say from his very first and last production with Motown to with the band Rose Royce, he's made some innovative recordings to my liking.

Don

By 1truth (68.4.75.179) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 06:43 am:

I worked with norman,ten years,a long time in this busness to be with the same producer . The only thing that i would say about the question is that their are a lot of people who do not partically like anyone who know what they are doing; work hard enough to cause them to work hard ,and most of those folke do not really know norman whitfield in the first place, so like or dislike his MUSIC THAT'S WHO HE IS.. ( AND I GOT PROOF )... JOE PEP and that's TRUTH !!!

By Edgar (200.46.13.165) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:20 am:

From the listener's point of view, Norman Whitfield is one of my all-time favorite writers-producers. He's tops. If he was "no good", that does not show in his music. Or maybe it's the other way around, that the good man is what comes up when listening to his music. The only "negative" comment I heard was that he forced Marvin Gaye to reach high notes, and we all know the hits Marvin had when he did so under Norman's direction.

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 09:51 am:

I've never met Norman, but from knowing his music, all I can say is....HE GOT RESULTS!!

By Stranger56 (165.155.160.122) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:21 am:

Just wondering.....some of you guys that know Mr. Whitfield might be able to answer this.
A few years ago (maybe 5 or so), Whitfield recorded the Four Tops' (WITH Levi) new CD. He still has not allowed this material (which I understand is wonderful!) to see the light of day.
Does anyone know if and when this material might surface? Now, with Levi's health issues, one must wonder if that's the last Levi-led Four Tops studio material that we'll get.
If anyone speaks to Mr. Whitfield and can get some informantion on these recordings, I'd appreciate it.

Jim

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:07 am:

I met Whitfield several times at the Twenty Grand and he was cool in my book.
I was honored to be in his presence!

By stax/PhillyINT/ (68.4.75.179) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 12:57 pm:

Black people from the GREAT STABLE of MOTOWN how do you dwell on NEGITIVE GOSSIP!! YOU were LEADERS,YOU were TALENTED,YOU WERE PAID IN MORE WAYS THEN MOST OF US CAN DREAM OF. NORMAN WHITFIELD WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY FOR THE THINGS THAT HE WAS ABLE TO ARTICULATE IN HIS WORDS AND MUSIC, ALWAYS STANDING UP FOR THE BROTHERMAN AND SISTER. HE DID NOT WRITE THAT TEMTATIONS STORY AND IF HE HAD I'M SURE HE WOULD NOT HAVE PORTRAYED DAVID, EDDIE,AND PAUL IN SUCH A NEGITIVE LITE AS THEY WERE, YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL WHO HAD ISSUES WHEN THE STORIES ARE REALLY TOLD AND MEL FRANKLIN DID NOT GET HIS REAL JUST DUE NAME ABASS SINGER THAT ANY ONE CAN REMEMBER WHO WAS TRUE TO HIS ROLE. OH YES OF COURSE THERE IS RAY DAVIES AND HE IS ALIVE AND CAN SHEAD MUCH LITE ON LEADERS WHO NEED THE NECKS TO STEP ON FOR THEIR EXCISTSNCE!! WAKE UP MOTOWNERS, I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY OF THE FUNK BROS SPEAK NEGETIVELY OF ANY OF THE BROTHERS THEY GOT FAMOUS WITH> REAL MEN WITH CLASS....

By REAL TEMPS (68.4.75.179) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:18 pm:

O.K. STAX !I though that iwas the only one who saw that and all the negative overtones about the lead singers in one group,or should i say the group that displayed total professionalism should have went out with the Kiss And DON'T theory. But it seem like someone did not like anybody they worker with including NORMAN WHITFIELD. SO TELL ME WHAT DID THE AUTHOR BRING TO THE TABLE? (LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN THROW THE FIRST STONE ) BUT IF YOU BECOME ATEMTATION TODAY ,DUCK...I LOVE PAUL DAVID, EDDIE,DENNIS< MEL FRANKLIN,RICHARD STREET,AND DAMON HARRIS YOU GUYS DID IT WELL MY BROTHERS WITH NORMAN WHITFIELD !!!

By Im black@Proud (68.4.75.179) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 01:38 pm:

Norman made a lot of money for a lot of people ask; BERRY GORDY, BARRETT STRONG, HOLLAN BROS THE VALVALETTES GLADY KNIGHT AND THE PIPS, MARVIN GAYE RARE EARTH ,CCR (CREDENCE CLEARWATHER )UNDISPUTED TRUTH, ROSE ROYCE, AND AS MANY AS SIXTY TOP ARTIST COVERING HIS SONGS. THERE's A LOT OF LOVE FOR MR.WHITFIELD.

.

By Joe (68.120.227.159) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 12:35 am:

Does anyone know if Rochelle Runnells of "STARGARD" was involved with Norman Whitfield?

By Joe (68.120.227.159) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 12:35 am:

Does anyone know if Rochelle Runnells of "STARGARD" was involved with Norman Whitfield?

By Lagunabeach (67.24.158.150) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:57 am:

whatever happened to Stargard?

By BAN (140.183.155.5) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 11:39 am:

Norman Whitfield was the MASTER!! If it wasn't for Norman, (and Smokey), the Temptations would have never been as great as they were. I didn't hear Otis crying about all the hit songs Norman produced on them. After Holland-Dozier-Holland, no one was as responsible for the growth of Motown as the great Norman Whitfield. If Norman had an ego, you need one to survive in the music industry. Berry Gordy said in his book that even he didn't get the hits that Norman did when Whitfield stopped working with the Temptations.

Norman Whitfield was one of the greatest producer in history and Motown was a greater place for having him there.

By ~medusa~ (155.139.68.10) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 01:38 pm:

Actually, I preferred Smokeys' work with The Temps over Norman Whitfields' work

By JoB (63.168.103.2) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 02:45 am:

I agree, the man was a genius and all, so I have only one question:

Whose idea was it to make him seem like such a jerk in that Tempts movie? I mean, yes, I know that movie was about as accurate as most women are when you ask them their age or weight, but I just wonder who it was that had something against the man so bad to make him out to be a first-class *sshole??

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 09:50 am:

JoB
The portrayel of Norman bothered me. Even he studio scenes where Norman was more of less in the background during the recording session. How inaccurate! I blame Suzanne DePasse for all of that. I'm sure she knew Norman, but obviously not very well. It would have been so easy to have the actor in a T-shirt with a towel around his neck, sitting behind the board controlling the session. That is the Norman Whitfield I know.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 11:16 am:

Dennis did an interview in which he said his father did not die on the 3rd of September.

By Juicefree20 (151.205.186.27) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 07:29 pm:

Yes Sis, I read the same thing. Sis, it's just one more thing that makes people a bit suspicious about "the truth". And people wonder why people look for things. Another example of "When Creative License Goes Wrong".

Ralph & JoB, how in the world could they have let that float out there. I've heard so many of you say that was contrary to the Norman that you knew. How could Motown Productions allow such an unflattering & inaccurate image like that to get through? I don't understand, it's as though they stood behind the depiction 100%. It had Motowns stamp of approval on it. Can you now understand why some of us believe the things that we've read? It's one thing for an artist to make a claim. But, when the record company produces a film & signs off on it.....

It kinda gives credence to what people have written. If it was a false depiction, they should never have allowed it. That's what people who weren't there are going to remember & who can blame them? What do you think happened here & why?

Juice

By Funkstar (205.188.209.9) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 09:10 pm:

I wanna thank Mr. Norman Whitfeild for turning me out on Recording at an early age of 9 years old. I went to Motown Studio B as part of a feildtrip and observed He and Edwin Starr overdubbing the lead Vocals of the song "25 Miles to go". He explained to us kids the concept of Quality Control as he commenced to produce the Record. When the 45 was released and I heard it on the Radio weeks later, I was truly convinced that making records was for me.
Since then, I've become a member of the Parliament/Funkadelic now in my 27th year and a zillion productions later; Making Records is my thing.

Thank You Mr. Whitfeild

By Juicefree20 (141.149.37.7) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 10:13 pm:

Funkstar,
That's a great story. You guys must have had the time of your lives. I wish that we had trips like that when I was a kid. It's good to hear another perspective regarding this thread.

Juice

By Ju (205.188.209.9) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

Whitfield's psychedelic productions were THE BOMB! His other stuff held its own, too.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:48 am:

Juice,
I don't have the answer to your question. It seems to me it would have been just as easy to portray Norman as he actually was, rather than the misleading version in the movie. I realize that, at times, when movies are made, creative license comes into play, but this one should have been easy. I make no apologies for my general dislike of Ms. DePasse and I suppose much of that comes from my brief dealings with her. All in all I thought she made a rather entertaining movie but some of the content would have been so easy to get right.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:55 am:

Ralph - You said it. Telling the truth would have been just as entertaining, and dramatic.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:04 am:

Yeah Sis. Besides, the REAL Norman Whitfield would have made a GREAT movie character. I wish I would have tape recorded some of the goings on in my office when Norman, Clay, Frank Wilson, Russ and whoever else was around. Talk about a platinum comedy album. Norman was always the catalyst for this madness.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:07 am:

Let's get these guys together and tell their side of the story. Wouldn't that be great? I think it would be a hit. Tell Russ to contact Norman and start working on it. :o)

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:07 am:

Also wasn't very unusual to find Norman in my office with my secretary Lynn Allen fluffing up his enormous Afro.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:09 am:

A great Afro he had. DMeikle, it's time for an upload of a pic of Norman's afro.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:10 am:

Come to think of it...my office was a rather strange place. Never quite knew what might go on there. Something was always taking place. When I thought things couldn't get any funnier at times, Harry Balk would come walking through the door.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:14 am:

I'd like to hear what the producers have to say, about the vocalist (especially in a movie.)

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:15 am:

Norman had come to my office after being at the race track on day. He was telling me about the wife of some high rollers he had met and how after scopeing out his Afro, she had asked him if he was a beautician. This really hit him funny.

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.162.3) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 12:07 pm:

Hey Ralph, what happen to Lynn Allen, I knew her,
WELDON

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 12:20 pm:

Weldon,
I last saw Lynn on one of my L.A. trips after I had moved to Monterey. At the time she had strted some sort of food catering business and was quite successful. I haven't seen her for years though. She was quite a girl.

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.162.3) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 12:32 pm:

thanks Ralph, she was a good friend of Normans to, did she work with, Susan Depass?, I just remember she was a good friend, and she was fine (smile)
WELDON

By Juicefree20 (151.204.156.39) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:57 pm:

Ralph, you're dead on here. It's one thing for someone to make remarks about Norman. That could be dismissed as the words of a disgruntled singer, etc. But for it to be portrayed in a movie, lends credence & if untrue, it's not correct or fair. That visual image is what will stay in the minds of those who didn't have an insiders point of view. For me, I'm open to hearing ALL points of view regarding this. I think it's great that people like yourself, Weldon & Funkstar give your positive experiences regarding Norman. There's always another side to the coin & I feel that the positive comments bring balance & that's cool. But, Ms DePasse did him no favors with this at all. I wonder how he felt about this?

I'm with Sis on this. It would be wonderful to read what the accused would have to say. I believe that they would have some very interesting & informative things to say. I feel that all of the folks with grudges need to get together & hash this out. As we've been seeing lately, life is just too short for such nonsense. We've lost so many of our musical luminaries recently. It seems as though, every week, someone else departs this earth. Time is getting short, we're all getting older. These folks still have much joy to spread, it's such a waste that the bickering prevents them for doing so.

I say to all of them: it's time to get it together & cut the crap. There are millions of us who have been waiting for you folks to get together & make that sweet music that we all love. It's time to put aside the bitterness & hate, it's only destroying you & tainting your legacies. For once, think of your loyal fans & give us what we want to see. All of this ego-tripping & diva crap is getting stale, repetitious & frankly, quite boring. It would be nice to see all of you answer the call of your fans. You'll be surprised at the response, there's a lot of love for you out here. Do the right thing, just do the right thing.

Tempus Fugit!!!!!
Peace
Juice

By Creole (207.222.255.146) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 03:11 pm:

Sorry, Jim, but I had to steal your very good question and re-post it.

Anyone has an answer to the following post?

Just wondering.....some of you guys that know Mr. Whitfield might be able to answer this.
A few years ago (maybe 5 or so), Whitfield recorded the Four Tops' (WITH Levi) new CD. He still has not allowed this material (which I understand is wonderful!) to see the light of day.
Does anyone know if and when this material might surface? Now, with Levi's health issues, one must wonder if that's the last Levi-led Four Tops studio material that we'll get.
If anyone speaks to Mr. Whitfield and can get some informantion on these recordings, I'd appreciate it.

Jim/Creole

Ps: BTW Jim, how are you, My Friend? We'll talk !!!!!!!

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:17 pm:

Weldon,
Lynn worked at the Motown L.A. for a while but I don't remember in what capacity or if she did anything with DePasse. you are absolutely right though...she was a looker.

Juice,
I would liked to have heard Norman's thoughts on his movie character also. Knowing Norman, he probably didn't care all that much.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:23 pm:

By the way juice, I don't think there is any bickering standing in the way of many of us. We simply cannot get decent record deals right now. That is the real tragedy.
Teddie and I just signed a very talented young woman. Tonight we are putting some final touches on the track of her first song before we bring her in to do the vocals. Some promoter in Nashville has heard the demo and is knocked out and wants the finished CD ASAP. That's nice and all, but we've heard this a thousand times. We will see.

By Juicefree20 (141.149.61.110) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:26 pm:

Hey Ralph, I'm inclined to agree with you. If he feels as though he did no wrong, perhaps he feels no inclination to respond.

I'm referring to the bickering & fractures among the various Motown, as well as other groups. I didn't name any specific groups, as I don't want anyone to go off on any tangents, or to start more wars. You know what happens when certain names & groups are called out. However, I'm sure that you have a clue as to the groups & artists I'm referring to.

I wish you well with your artist, I wish you a fair contract, a generous royalty rate & some Platinum in the end.

Best wishes to you, Teddie & your artist. By the way, so that we know who to watch,what is her name?

Juice

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 06:07 pm:

Juice,
Thanks for all the good thoughts. I could use a dose of platinum these days. Her name is Heather. We need to come up with a good last name though. Her real last name is very un-show biz. Any suggestions forum? We should have a contest. Let's Get Heather A Last Name contest. In real life Heather is a school teacher, but does the girl have some pipes.

By Heikki (62.248.236.84) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:11 am:

Heather Honey ?

By JoB (63.168.103.2) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:26 am:

...Heather Huckleberry...

By Ju (205.188.209.9) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:36 am:

I will service/trademark a name and lease it to you.

By Juicefree20 (141.149.61.110) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:46 am:

Ralph, you said that she's a teacher. What are her qualities, perhaps we could find a name based on some of her qualities.

Juice

By Gee (24.236.160.80) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:51 am:

Why do you need a last Name isn't the trend to just have one name. How about Heat

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:38 pm:

You guys are coming up with some interesting names. I don't want to go the one name route because that has become a little over-done.

Juice, I don't know her well enough yet to give you any kind of a personality profile.

keep those names coming my friends.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:44 pm:

Heather O'Shanski?

Naw, too "Polish leprechaun".

One tried and true method for coming up with a "showbiz" name is to turn her middle name into a last name.

Regards,
Ken

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:51 pm:

I'll find out her middle name Ken. Thanks.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.31.69) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:02 pm:

Ok Ralph, other than her voice, what is it about her that reaches out & grabs you? On a surface level, what strikes you the most?
Juice

By LadyMystique (216.37.229.14) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:44 pm:

On the Temptations movie, he was personified as an egotistical producer, but he always seemed to get the best out of the artists...especially the Temptations. Look at the scene with him, and the Tempts singing PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE and Dennis was upset that Norman used the 3rd of September in the lyric because it really was when Dennis's father died. Maybe for fictional purposes for the movie, but it kind of gave me insight on how Norman worked his artists.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:14 pm:

Juice,
It really seems to boil down to the voice. It's haunting. Exceptionally clear. When I record her I'm going for an " in your face " sound, relatively dry. She can pull this off. Bobby Eli knows what I'm talking about.
I suppose I could say something really cheezy Juice, like she has a great ass ( which she happens to have ) but it really is her voice. That PLUS her extremely positive attitude about working in the studio. I am really looking forwad to working with this talented young woman.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:19 pm:

LadyMystique,
Norman was good at tearing an artist down ( when their ego got in the way of things ) and making them believe they couldn't sing. Then he would slowly build them back up until he got the best imaginable out of them. It took guts to be produced by Norman Whitfield.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.31.69) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:23 pm:

Naw Ralph, I didn't want anything cheezy, as I don't believe that's the image that you'd be pushing. I know that you're interested in developing her as an artist, as opposed to a one-trick pony. Let me digest what you've said, I'll try to come up with an appropriate moniker.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:25 pm:

Peter Rivera of Rare Earth and Norman really had some go-rounds when Norman was producing them. Many times during vocal over-dubs Pete would rip his headphones off and tell Norman to go F... himself and start to storm out of the studio while he and Norman would be shouting at each other all the way out. Then, somehow they would smooth things out with each other and Peter would go in and do a killer session. I actually think Norman respected Pete ( as he well should have ) because in a way the two of then are similar, which is a compliment.

By CORNBREAD (66.185.84.74) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:26 pm:

Hey Ralph: How about Heather Hopper. A take on Hedda Hopper, the late Hollywood gossip columnist. Just a thought. Maybe the hip-hoppers may relate to the name.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:27 pm:

Thanks Juice. I appreciate the fact that you do know exactly where I'm coming from.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:28 pm:

Hey Corn. I'm considering all comers. I kind of like that one.

By LadyMystique (216.37.229.14) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 11:03 pm:

That's interesting Ralph!

By motown01 (64.231.193.193) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:24 am:

Heather Ray

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:02 am:

Another good name Motown01..

hmmm...this shouldn't be on Norman's thread.I think for the hell of it I'll start a thread just for Heather. Maybe I can get her to come on and say hello.

By Bob Olhsson (209.247.222.87) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:52 pm:

Norman directing a play or a movie would be utterly amazing.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

Bob,
Ya gotta know that he would get the job done in time and more than likely UNDER budget.

By sea (205.188.209.13) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 04:19 pm:

Russ Terana
The person that you worked with on Where I'm Coming From, who brought equipment to the shop downstairs at Motown wants a number to reach you.
"PS..How's your brother"

By Vaberry (67.119.158.149) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 03:06 am:

Hey everyone, I am very pleased to know that Norman's reputation is in tack and everyone here seems to feel the same as I do about the big giant producer ,the white fox. Now I can tell everyone what happen last year around November, We all know Norman produced the hell out of his work with Rose Royce and he had himself as a writer as well as a great writing team with him. Well In November I got a call from a person involved with Rose Royce and they had nothing good to say about Norman Whitfield and it bothered me so much that I just couldn't believe the stuff that they had said about my mentor and friend and who treated me like his own son. Well the plot got thicker when a attorney called me up and ask me to write a declaration about my dealings with Norman, I didn't know what to do cause I didn't know any body from those days, only Spyder Turner my other friend and mentor. I also met Miles Gregory before he passed. So after talking with Norman about the situation, I wrote the declaration and I blew the the attorney away and it helped the case for NOrman, they tried to sue Norman over some bull, well from my experience Norman has always treated everyone fairly and always paid you extremely well if you deserved it and if you didn't deserve he would still take care of you no matter what, on the other side, if you stroked him the wrong way or do something stupid or used him, he would let you have it in more ways than one and always spoke the truth, good or bad. so all I am trying to say is that, I love Norman like my father and I would do anything for him even though he can make me mad sometimes cause he done cussed me out several times for being late or whatever( aint that right spyder?) Spyder and I could do a movie about Norman he is such a character. Norman wrote the last song for the Four tops in My living room back in 2000 and he made me mad then by staying at my house all night and all day and telling me to shut the f up he was on a roll, I couldn't sleep for him and stay all day the next day sleeping at the table and all, but when he read those lyrics to me he had me in tears and he laugh with joy and said he meant every word he had written down, the name of the song is " Let me Love again" and with no disrespect to Levi at all, He had Theo Peoples lead the song cause of Levi's illness, he got Levi's approval and that song is the sh,Theo laid it out and also I witness Norman at his best, he broke Theo down and then brought him back better than ever, I mean it was on and crackin at the studio that night, he also did the same to Ron Banks of the Dramatics, on a demo Norman was doing for something else, I mean, everything you guys on this forum has said about Norman I have witnessed myself and I really glad to know that he remains the same Norman as back in the day. Now I am more than inspired to try and get Norman in the Music Hall of Fame it is way over due, I am pulling to get him in. I want to start a campaign or petition to get him voted in,Spyder I can't hold off any longer man, but people Norman has one more surprise for yall, He recorded his own album doing some of his earlier hits and some new material, he even used some of my rappers on one track, yall just wait to hear this new singer Norman has in store for yall, Spyder you can take it from here cause you know it is the bomb. I am opening up all of this because it is overdue, The Four Tops album, the NJW project and of course some Spyder Turner projects, hey yall don't let Spyder fool you, if have cut some nice material that people haven't heard yet and some of those things were written by Norman himself as well as Spyder. If I had the resources I would put this stuff out myself. I can answer some questions concerning the projects but i will let Norm know what I am doing, cause my job has always been to promote his projects and he believes in me to do just that. So I am going to some day in the near future get that Four Tops album out there. Norman doesn't know much about the Internet and I have been trying to school him on it and tell him he needs to let that album out but I think he wants a tradition label deal, which I don't blame him, but we have to get the word out so I am going to get as much done as I can over the internet and hype everyone about the Four Tops album and once I compile the info and numbers of people who wants to hear or buy this album,I will show Norman the numbers and show him how much people appreciate his great work and we will hear this album sometime this year. I need help on putting the word out about the album. I wish I could let everyone hear a piece or two, but I am afraid to leak it cause I don't want to disrespect the Four Tops and Norman, Duke and I talk alot so I keep in touch with him and what the Tops are doing so hopefully one day I will get the permission to let people hear a snippet or two or three over the net and stirr things up and get a demand for the album. We need it and I believe it will make Levi feel real good too. Peace Sorry again but I got alot to say and I want this stuff out. Love the comments about Norm, let's keep it positive and going strong Vince

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.164) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 03:43 am:

Vince. Hi from England, what can we say, we just back Every Word about NORMAN and we are 100% behind YOU with THE FOUR TOPS PROJECT - It will Happen! and it will be BIG!

Cheers John

By Jake (199.183.105.57) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 05:23 am:

HEY VINCE HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE PARAGRAPH? IT'S USED IN WRITING TO BREAK UP THOUGHTS. Try using them in your posts. These long eight inch block of sentences that you compose and jam together like a ball of yarn are difficult to read. No wonder Norman cussed you out so many times.

By Gee (24.236.160.80) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 02:00 pm:

I have no problem reading your stuff. I would rather have intresting info then worry about structure.

By Stranger56 (24.186.184.6) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 02:54 pm:

I'm with you, Gee......the info was interesting enough that I didn't have any problem with the structure.

I was too busy reading to wonder if it was difficult to read.

Jim

By Juicefree20 (68.161.46.83) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 08:27 pm:

See, now who said that we shouldn't bring up negative topics? What I'm reading here is people giving another side of the story. I think that's good as it gives a more balanced view of Norman & may help clarify some very one-sided views. I think this is all good & I thank everyone who's expressed a point of view regarding this. I believe that some of us have learned a few things.

Juice

By Juicefree20 (68.161.46.83) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 08:30 pm:

Norman definitely belongs in the Hall Of Fame!

By Juicefree20 (68.161.46.83) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 08:30 pm:

Norman definitely belongs in the Hall Of Fame!

By Linda Di. (66.67.198.188) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 10:10 pm:

Ralph -- how about Heather Hendricks? It has a nice sound I think.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.46.83) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 10:36 pm:

Hey Ralph, for some reason, Heather Hollister pops into my mind!

By Uptight (24.55.0.68) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 12:47 am:

Juice, I learned a lot from this thread, as I hardly knew much about Whitfield--aside from what I read in Otis' book and a couple of CD liner notes and such. I even spoke on the phone with Witfield years ago. His persona was mysterious to me.

I am glad to see this thread stay positive. I hope to hear new product from him in the near future.

By Vince (63.196.242.205) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:09 am:

Hey Jake, sorry if I rubbed you the wrong way, no harm,no foul, but I do know how to write, I just get caught up in the moment and it is usually late when I am on the net so i get very tired. THIS IS NOT A ENGLISH CLASS, THIS IS ABOUT PASSION AND YOUR THOUGHTS STRAIGHT UP. But you don't have to worry about it at all cause I won't write long sentences anymore, I am long winded ok, and that is not the reason Norman has cussed me out. What he cussed me out about is between him and I. But guess what, my long wind, long sentences and so forth, got Mr. Whitfield's attention and that's what he likes about me and that is passion for what I do. Did you see the movie? He told Dennis Edwards(who knows the truth)is that he needed passion. Maybe you need some. Peace

By Vince (63.196.242.205) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:11 am:

Thank you Gee, I am glad someone has my back on this. Peace Vince

By Vince (63.196.242.205) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:16 am:

Thanks Juice and Jim for having my back
peace Vince

By Vince (63.196.242.205) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:23 am:

SisDetroit, I wanted to respond to you earlier but I got caught up in the moment of trying to reach everyone on the Norman Thread etc. See, I didn't know if anybody dislike him either, cause he was always funny and cool, but I learned later on, that there was alot of envious people around him and people who tried to use him, so I got alot of answer about the situation from him and I agree with you. Norman is a kind and gentle guy and I am glad to hear you say what you said about him. Just so you know I am from Michigan myself, I grew up in Bay City near Saginaw/Flint. Then I moved to Detroit while going to Wayne State. peace and Love Vince

By Jay (24.55.22.36) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:31 am:

I was in his studio in LA years ago....Fort Knox if I recall. That place really rocked. The whole damn control room moved with the music!

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.178) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 09:53 am:

Good on Ya Vince! - keep the info coming - I think on a Forum like Detroit Soul, we write from The Heart and not as if we where all still in school, I know here in the UK some people correct others on some forums I use (Radio ones, I was a Radio DJ) about spelling, which is a joke!

Soulful Detroit is Kewl! and for chilling!

Regards John

By Juicefree20 (151.205.175.122) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 02:38 pm:

Vince, sometimes you can't possible express your point of view in 3 sentences or less. If you have something worthwhile to say, say it. It's not the spelling, or the form that's the thing I look at. I look at the ESSENCE of your message, that's what matters. I once was told the same thing here, regarding paragraphs & such. So what I did was write my thoughts first, then spaced them. If you are "long Winded", that's cool. If you're bringing something to the table, it's all good. Those who are interested will read, those who aren't, won't. However, I read all posts both short & long. Somewhere along the way, I may actually learn something.

DO your thing, your style is your style & don't let a few comments dissuade you from expressing yourself. We have been on opposite ends of conversations & that's cool. I encourage you to speak your mind & let it go wherever it takes you. Isn't that what a forum is all about? Then again, you're hearing this from someone who's a pretty long winded person himself

Juice

By tstone (24.176.182.189) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 02:52 pm:

Thank You Norman....you gave me my first "big break"and i will forever be thankful.
Wah Wah - Pepper Reed - ....Trey Stone We played together on quite a few different projects for "Wit".
Rose Royce/Stargard/Masterpiece/Nytro/Dream Machine/Mamatappe/The Undisputed Truth......
I'm so thankful having worked with a legend Mr. Norman Whitfield....thank you Norman!!!
Trey Stone

By givethedrummersome (161.114.1.181) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 07:00 pm:

Trey
I don't think I met you but I think I met Pepper, didn't he play for Nytro and Shalamar? The bass player for Nytro, Ted Willingham and I were friends when I lived in Northridge. Are they still around? If your in contact with Ted tell him to drop me a line on SD.

Lonnie

By Vince (63.196.245.211) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:26 am:

Hey people I hear Norman is supposed to be inducted into the BMI songwriter's hall of fame this June, Bout time he should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I am happy for him and I am going to make sure that I am there when his inducted. peace Vince

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 12:28 pm:

Vince,
Thanks for the info. No one deserves it more than Norman.

By Edgar (200.46.13.174) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 01:52 pm:

In the end, it's all about the music. Norman Whitfield is one of the great American artists of popular music and nobody can deny it. The music is there to prove it. When we do the opposite for subjective reasons, we never win.
Take, for example, the case of Bernard Herrmann. Such an extraordinary composer -whose first score was for "Citizen Kane"- won his only Academy Award in 1942 for "The Devil and Daniel Webster". Known in the film industry as a difficult man, he wasn't nominated again until after his death for the last two movies he scored, Brian de Palma's "Obsession" and Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver". In between he wrote music for "Jane Eyre", The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", "The Snows of Kilimanjaro", "The Egyptian", Cape Fear", "On Dangerous Ground", "The Day the Earth Stood Still", "The Trouble With Harry", "The Kentuckian", "Vertigo", "Psycho", "Fahrenheit 451", "North By Northwest", "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" and many more, all wonderful scores, but his peers did not nominate him, out of envy. Today, Bernard Herrmann is up there with the great American composers of all times. His enemies are hardly remembered.

By GTO (68.41.20.56) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:03 pm:

Ralph, what's up? Has anyone suggested Heather Hart?

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 12:23 am:

GTO,
It's a done deal. Taylor Rose...