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	Richard "Popcorn" Wylie June 6th 1939 ~ September 4th/5th 2008 Legenary pianist, producer, band director and songwriter, Popcorn Wylie has unexpectedly died at the age of 68. The one time Motown musician was sadly found dead at his home in Detroit by a family member. The cause of death is not known at present. Detroit native, Richard "Popcorn" Wylie was born into a musical family, learning the piano at a very young age. It was when he was at high school that he formed his first band with his fellow school friends James Jamerson on the upright bass and Clifford Mack on the drums, the three were dedicated musicians, and had a huge love of jazz. They soon became a popular band at parties, weddings, colleges functions and night spots around Detroit. Popcorn's band gradually evolved into Popcorn and the Mohawks. In 1960 Popcorn signed with the Northern label to record his debut single, "Pretty Girl" before signing with the Tambla Motown Label. At this stage Popcorn and The Mohawks consisted of Richard "Popcorn" Wylie playing piano, James Jamerson grooving on his upright bass, Eddie Willis on guitar, Robert Finch on drums, Andrew "Mike" Terry playing the sax, and Norman Whitfield on the tambourines. While with Motown, Popcorn and The Mohawks released "Shimmy Gully," one of the earliest Motown releases, "Money (That's What I Want)" and "Real Good Lovin'.". His piano work was also featured in the Miracles' "Shop Around" and the Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" , he also served as the bandleader for the first Motown Revue tours. Popcorn left Motown in 1962 for a solo career signing with Epic records releasing 4 singles over 2 years. In 1964 he freelanced as a songwriter, producer, and session player for SonBert and Ric-Tic label, after which in 1966 he formed his own labels, Pameline and Soulhawk, as well as writing and producing dozens of singles for Ed Wingate's Golden World labels. Popcorn returned to his own recording career in 1968 at the Karen Label, releasing "Rosemary, What Happened?" and "Move Over Babe (Here Comes Henry. In 1971 he briefly signed with Motown again to record the now classic "Funky Rubber Band" which wasn't released until 1975. 1974 saw Popcorn's last headlining singles, an excellent collection of songs written by himself and Lamont Dozier, including "ESP", "Lost Time", "I Can Take The World On With You", "Both Ends Against The Middle", and "Singing About You And Me". and "Georgia's After Hours". From then on he dedicated his time to session work, song writing and production, becoming one of Detroit's most respected men in music.. He will be sadly missed by friends and fans, as will his vast experience in the music business, but his many influences and his music will play on. FUNERAL DETAILS Thankyou to Lester Williams for notifying me of this sad news. Lester, a friend of Popcorn, and played keyboard for Eric & the Viking in the late 60's and early 70's, one of Popcorn's groups signed to his Soulhawk Label, Lester played on their number one hit "Vibrations" . :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Valadiers The Valadiers was formed in Detroit, MI, in 1959 with Stuart Avig as lead singer, Martin Coleman, Art Glasser and Jerry Light . Their early influences included among others Jerry Butler & the Impressions and Jackie Wilson. One day after high school in 1960, they auditioned at Hitsville USA for Berry Gordy and secured a three-year contract, and became Motown's first white group. Their first recording session produced "Nothing Is Going to Change It," and "Somebody Help Me Find My Baby," but Motown shelved them. Their second recording was the self-written "Greetings, This Is Uncle Sam," and "Take a Chance," on the B-side. Their other recordings with Motown were. "When I'm Away" in 1962 and "I Found a Girl" in 1963. The Valadiers toured frequently Marv Johnson, the Isley Brothers, Wilbert Harrison and other early Motown artists and lead singer Stuart Avig wowed the audiences with a voice that is a cross between Jackie Wilson and Smokey Robinson. After their Motown contract ended the Valadiers split. Stuart has carried on over the years singing solo and with different line-up of The Valadiers. In 1989 & 90 The Valadiers became part of a major project of which there were several known Motown artists, they released: Painted Smile, What's Wrong With Me Baby, No Competition, Love Don't Love Nobody & The Truth Hurts. After which Stuart toured with the likes of Gene Chandler, The Contours, The Spaniels, The Dells, Dion, Martha Reeve & The Vandellas, The Teenagers and many others. Then in 2004 he joined up with the vocal group Shades Of Blue as lead singer along with Nick A. Marinelli, the original Shades of Blue lead singer and Andy Alonzo, singer from many groups including a line-up the The Valadiers. Shades of Blue have a very active concert and touring career and are coming to the UK in May 2008!! The Shades of Blue Come To England!!! THE NORTHAMPTON 'IN CROWD WEEKENDER 4' Featuring: The Impressions Kenny Bernard and The Shades of Blue ... who feature Stuart Avig lead singer of Motown's First White Group "The Valadiers" and more acts to come.... Where: The Park Inn Hotel Northampton ~ UK Friday, May 23rd 2008 ~ Sunday, May 25th 2008 How to book www.northernsoul.co.uk/ :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Four Tops Musical Legends, The Four Tops Performing Live "New Years Eve" at Hotel St. Regis in Detroit Historic hotel “Brings Back the Magic” to the home of Motown The legendary Four Tops known the world over for their smooth, sophisticated sounds will be performing live News Year’s Eve at the all new, upscale Hotel St. Regis in Detroit. Appearing with the superstar performers will be Les Williams & The Band, Tyrone Bradley, 'Stand By Me' artist, and The Valadiers of 'Greetings this is Uncle Sam' fame lead singer Stuart Avig; Spyder Turner will host the evening’s concert and the Original Vandellas along with other former Motown artists will be in attendance as celebrity host at this superstudded event. New Year’s Eve at the Hotel St. Regis promises to be an incredible affair as the renowned Four Tops mix with the audience for a lively evening of celebration including champagne, dancing and live entertainment. For Duke Fakir of the Four Tops, Detroit is where it all began and there is nothing like performing for the hometown crowd. “Detroit is our home and performing in Detroit at the Hotel St. Regis on New Year’s Eve is going to be really exciting. We love our fans, we love the city and we’re looking forward to being part of an incredible evening of celebration as we bring in 2008 at the Hotel St. Regis”. There will be other artists appearing to support The Four Tops including The December 31st concert will mark the first New Years celebration for the historic Hotel St. Regis Detroit since it reopened in August, 2007 after an extensive multi-million dollar renovation and restoration. The six story structure located at 3071 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit includes a ballroom, bar and lounge, a split-level dining room with a selection of over 200 wines, a private dining area and a posh, sophisticated Motown inspired Cajun steakhouse, La Musique which pays homage to many of Detroit’s favorite musical legends including the Four Tops. Since its reopening, the Hotel St. Regis has hosted several prominent political and entertainment figures including Senator John Edwards, Al Sharpton, Ashford and Simpson, Billy Dee Williams, Roy Ayers, George Clinton, Martha Reeves, The Original Vandellas, Anita Baker, The Dramatics, The Miracles and many more. Tickets are $90pp including champagne, $150.00pp with dinner (8-10 pm) or $399 per couple for a complete package including concert, dinner, champagne, luxurious hotel room and a full breakfast the following day. For more information including reservations, call the Hotel St. Regis Detroit at 313-873-3000. Hotel St. Regis :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Miracles ~ Congratulations!! Posted December 2007 ~ The Miracles, have been celebrating 50 years in the biz .. what a marvelous milestone! It all began with the recording "I Got A Job" back in 1957, then came Motown .. and in 1960 The Miracles were the very first successful Motown group, bringing Berry Gordy's young Detroit record company it's first ever gold record for selling over a million copies, with the song "Shop Around". They went on to become one of Motown's mega acts of the 1960s. During their first 19 years The Miracles charted over 50 hits and recorded in the genres of soul, doo wop, R&B and disco. Twenty-six Miracles songs reached the Top Ten of the Billboard R&B singles chart, including four R&B number ones. Sixteen of the Miracles' songs charted within the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs climbing into the Top Ten and two 1970's "The Tears of a Clown" and 1975's "Love Machine" (Part 1) reaching No.1. Almost all of their hits were self-written, making them unique among Motown groups, plus they are the most covered Motown group of all time. After Smokey Robinson's departure for a solo career in 1972 , The Miracles, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore and Ronnie White recruited a new singer, Billy Griffin, and went on to deliver several more hits, most notably, "Love Machine", "Do It Baby" and "Don't Cha Love It". By 1978, this group had disbanded and following a period of inactivity, Bobby Rogers and Ronnie White decided to reform the group, sadly, Ronnie has passed now away following a long illness. Today the group consists of lead singer Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Tee Turner and Mark Scott. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine honored The Miracles by ranking Smokey Robinson & the Miracles No.32 on their list of The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. We congratulate them on an amazing 50 years of fine achievement. Read more and catch up with THE MIRACLES Tee Turner ~ Solo Many Thanks to Jeanne Sorensen and J. Reed Entertainment :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Caroline /Carolyn Crawford Posted November 2007 ~ Have you ever wondered what happened to the pretty little Motown girl, Carolyn Crawford? Carolyn, one of the original artists, was signed by Motown in 1963 at the age of only 13 years. She sang backup vocals for many of the early Motown artists. Her first solo recording on the Motown label was a lovely self penned song "Forget About Me", with the fabulous "My Heart" on the flip side, released in 1964. She recorded two more records for Motown "My Smile Is Just A Frown Turned Upside Down" and"When Someone's Good To You", which reached the R&B charts, both written and produced by Smokey Robinson, but Carolyn also recorded a great track "Until You Came Along" which was shelved for 38 years, why I do not know, but in 2002, this great track appeared on a Motown compilation album 'Cellar full of Motown'! Carolyn left Motown in 1965. In the early 70's Carolyn sang in the group, Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford recording 2 singles with them: "Nobody" / "I'm In Love" and "Let's Pick Up The Pieces" / "Write Me A Letter" both in 1972. In the mid 70's she changed her name from Carolyn to Caroline and joined Hamilton Bohannon's (Stevie Wonders former on-the-road drummer) band, Bohannon, as lead singer, recording 6 albums and having many hits and top ten hits on both sides of the Atlantic including "Let’s Start The Dance", "Disco Stomp" and "Foot Stompin’ Music". Caroline has gone on to have a very successful solo career Check Caroline on Youtube Caroline Crawford and Lester Williams are appearing at Hotel St. Regis, Detroit City this November 2007 :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Lester Williams & The Vandellas Posted August 2007 ~ A great photo of Lester Williams in-between the lovely ladies Rosalind Holmes nee Ashford and Annette Helton nee Beard ... the legendary Vandellas. There is much more about what the highly multi-talented Lester has been up to further down the page. :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: The Compton Kids by Charles E. Givings Posted August 2007 ~ Charles Givings has written a book.. not about his musical journey, but his second love .. baseball .. among other things!! Drawing on his early life this is a story about a rag tag multi-racial Little League baseball team from Southern California and this exciting, fun book delves into the day-to-day lives of kids growing up in an inner city, and Charles has really captured the flavor and spice of the growing pains in the inner city. Recommended for all ages, this great book is to be officially launched in September 2007, but can be bought off the internet now at the below link. The Compton Kids :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Charles Givings Posted June 2007 ~ Musician, singer, songwriter, producer Charles E. Givings, session drummer for Motown (LA Studios) in the late 60's, founder of the band 'Black Gems Rare' in 1969. A year later the band changed their name to 'Rare Gems Odyssey', now just 'The Rare Gems'. They have had many hits including the real classic funk track "What is Funk", and with 8 albums under their belt, are still going strong today. In the 80's Charles formed his own label, Imagination Records, where he produces his own band and other artists. Charles has also released some beautiful solo love albums. As well as all this he still has found time to session with The Penguins, The Olympics, Don Julian, Al Wilson, Tony Allen, Brenda Holloway, The Cadets, The Sixteens, Ernie Valens, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Frankie Avalon and J.J. Jackson. Among his best and treasured memories over his busy 40 year career was meeting the great and legendary bassist, James Jamerson. LATEST SOLO ALBUMS Charles Givings: Songs For Sunset Lovers Charles Givings: Songs For Serious Lovers and VISIT "THE RARE GEMS" :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: James "Jimmy" Garrett 1927 ~ March 5th 1993 SORRY I HAVE NO PHOTO This obituary was sent to me by James Garrett's niece Judy. James Garrett died in 1993, he had an incredible career, but so very sadly he seems to have been forgotten on the pages of internet Motown writers and all other web page writers, after such a full and successful career before, with, and after Motown; there is little, if anything about him on the internet. Posted April 2007 ~ James "Jimmy" Garrett was the music director and road bassist with the Supremes, he helped them develop from their narrow rock style into the top female group in popular music history. Mr. James Garrett, 66, died in Teaneck, N.J. from complications of diabetes. He is survived by his wife; a son James; daughters, Shirley, Anita and Grace; 2 sisters; 3 brothers; 9 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. FULL TRIBUTE :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Joe Hunter November 19th 1927 ~ February 2nd 2007 Motown's first Funk Brother and first leader, three-time Grammy winner, pianist Joe Hunter has sadly died at his Detroit apartment. Although the cause of death is not known as yet, it is thought to be related to longtime diabetes, it appeared he was trying to take some medicine when he died. He was 79. Joe is survived by his son, Joe Hunter Jr.; his daughter, Michelle, and three grandchildren. FULL TRIBUTE :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Motor Town Revue Tour Posted December 2006 ~ Classic Motown acts are ready to play. Including Dennis Edwards Temptation's Review, Jean Terrell of The Supremes, Martha Reeves, Junior Walker's All-Star Band, The Miracles, Brenda Holloway, The Contours More info phone: (231) 629-1298 Thankyou to Acklee King of The Junior Walker's All-Star Band :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Arthur G. Wright Posted December 2006 ~ Arthur G. Wright, once arranger for Motown, continues to perform and write. He currently lives in Compton, California and is the CEO of Non Stop Productions. Arthur G. Wright's work spans over half a century . . . he has worked with a host of entertainers in all fields of music including, Sam Cooke, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Lou Rawls, Sarah Vaughn, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Thelma Houston, Donna Summer, Linda Rhondstat, Richard Berry, Don Julian and the Meadowlarks, Cleve Duncan and The Penguins, and a host of doo-wop groups. His guitar solos can be heard on hit records such as: Grazing In The Grass - Friends of Distinction; Love Hangover - Diana Ross; Part-Time Love - Little Johnny Taylor; Baby Come Close - Smokey Robinson; The Leather Man's Theme - Thank God Its Friday Movie Sound Track; Too Young - Michael Jackson; Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye; Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson. Musical arrangements include: Dancin' Machine - Jackson Five; Lovin', Livin' and Givin' - Diana Ross; Frankie Crocker's Heart and Soul Orchestra; Don't Leave Me This Way - Thelma Houston; Make Me Yours - Bettye Swan; Since You Came - Diana Ross; and and many, many R&B hits. for more information about Arthur G. Wright click to visit his website Thankyou to Charles E Givings, CEO of Sound Company Productions and founder of The Rare Gems :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Clement Barone Photo with courtesy of Margaret Barone, wife of the late Clement Barone Posted August 2006 ~ Piccolo and flute virtuoso, Clement Barone, sadly died from cancer August 28th 2004. Philadelphian Clem came to Detroit in 1958 to play flute and piccolo in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under principal conductor Paul Paray, where he was a member for nearly 34 years. (1958 ~ 1991). As well as this, Clem was a regular sessionist in Motown's "snakepit" at Hitsville,West Grand Boulevard. This great piccolo player can be heard on many Motown hits such as 'Bernadette', 'Reach Out I'll Be There', 'Standing in the Shadows', 'Uptight', 'How Sweet It Is', 'Heard it Through the Grapevine', 'War', 'I just Want to Celebrate', 'Do You Love Me', 'Heat Wave', 'Baby I Need Your Loving', 'I Can't Help Myself', 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered'. For more reading about Clement Barone's amazing achievements Thankyou Mary S. for this very interesting, but also sad information :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Mary Wilson Posted June 2006 ~ Thankfully Mary Wilson has made a full recovery. Mary has done a great deal of charity work, raising millions for AIDS through the People with AIDS Coalition of Tucson (PACT). She has also raised funds for homeless people, cancer research and victims of child abuse. ~ update since May Posted May 2006 ~ Mary Wilson, a founding member of the 1960s Motown group The Supremes, suffered a heart attack on Tuesday (16th MAY '06) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. The singer is still hospitalized and her condition has not been made available. Mary Wilson is a cultural ambassador for the US who performs over 150 concert dates per year. Mary has been performing continually with orchestras, symphonies, and her own touring band. Mary suffers from hereditary high cholesterol and is scheduled to have elective heart bypass surgery on Monday morning. ~ Thanks Ray :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: The Soul of Two Cities Posted April 2006 ~ Producers, songwriters, artists join forces to record some of the best songs from two musical giants. The project is the brainchild of Phil Hurtt, a Philadelphia International songwriter who co-wrote the Spinners' "I'll Be Around" with Thom Bell. Hurtt and his cohorts are working in studios in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn and Philadelphia, where Motown singers are recording classic Philly soul songs and the Philly artists are doing the same with Motown hits. The final product will feature 46 tracks spread across two CDs. Hurtt's Soul Renaissance Records hopes to release the album in June, with the first singles, one Motown and one Philly song, due May 16. "It's one camp honoring the other camp, and vice versa," says Soul Renaissance vice-president Theo Primas, who is serving as the project's co-executive producer. "It's two great bodies of music that constitute what you can call the soundtrack of our lives. The artists are still here and vibrant, and we have not forgotten about them." The Detroit contingent includes George Clinton ("Expressway to Your Heart," "Love Don't Let Me Wait"), Freda Payne ("Betcha By Golly, Wow," "When Will I See You Again"), Lamont Dozier ("Me and Mrs. Jones," "Close the Door"), the Velvelettes ("People Make the World Go Round," "One of a Kind Love Affair"), the Temptations' Ollie Woodson ("Stairway to Heaven", the O'Jays), Chapter 8's Carolyn Crawford ("Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)") and the Vancouvers' Bobby Taylor ("Sadie," "If You Don't Know Me by Now"). The Philly corps features Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge ("Superstition," "Dancing in the Street"), Jean Carne ("Higher Ground," Ted Mills of Blue Magic ("Shop Around," "Just My Imagination (Runnin' Away With Me)"), Barbara Mason ("Get Ready," "My Baby Loves Me"), the Delfonics' William Hart ("Just Ask the Lonely," "Darling Forever"), Russell Thompkins Jr., of the Stylistics ("Ain't That Peculiar," "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)"), Bunny Sigler ("Stop! In the Name of Love," "Ooh Baby Baby," "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"), the Trammps' Jimmy Ellis ("Shotgun," "Isn't She Lovely") and Hurtt ("Girl's Alright With Me"). Sigler and Carne team up on "Fire and Desire," while Sigler and Hurtt have recorded a rendition of the Temptations' rarity "I Need You." Bunny Sigler: Philly & Bobby Taylor: Motown Motown's Funk Brothers and Philadelphia International's MFSB are also participating in the project. A DVD from the sessions will be released, and some sort of live presentation and possibly a tour is being investigated. A SOULFUL TALE OF TWO CITIES :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Derek Raynard Jamerson Posted April 2006 ~ Derek Jamerson Sr, the son of the late James Jamerson, sadly passed from us, 10.56pm April 7th, at the Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital, Denver, Colorado. He was 39 years of age. Derek is survived by his wife, Deidre Jamerson, three children: Jennifer, Derek Jr. and Jordon Jamerson; his mother, Annie Jamerson, his sister Dorene "Penny" Jamerson; two brothers James Jamerson 111 and Joey Jamerson; and many other loving relatives ~ FULL TRIBUTE Derek Jamerson ~ May He Rest In Peace :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Motown Music Festival Posted February 2006 ~ WE TOOK THIS PHOTO ON SATURDAY, FEB 4, 2006 AT THE MASONIC TEMPLE (at the Motown Music Fest) ~ Mr Wendal. Posted January 2006 ~ A host of Motown legends will be appearing at a Motown Music Fest, to be held Feb. 4 at Detroit's Masonic Temple, the day before the National Football League's Super Bowl XL. Among the Motown acts set to perform at the event are the Four Tops, the Miracles, the Contours, the Dramatics, the Former Ladies of the Supremes, Freda Payne, Brenda Holloway, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the Velvelettes and Paul Hill. The house band will feature members of Motown's legendary Funk Brothers. Stars Nelly, John Legend and Jamie Foxx will also be appearing along side these legends. :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon November 13th 2005 ~ I was informed by her nephew Anthony McKnight of The McKnight Brothers, that: Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon, the mother of the late James Jamerson and grandmother to James Jamerson junior, passed away last night in the hospital. Further information will be forthcoming. Mrs. Bacon was a wonderful sweet loving person, who will be greatly missed.~ Mr Wendal. Our sincere condolences to the family. :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Lester Williams October 2005 ~ Les who worked professionally at the age of 14 with Motown's Holidays, Edwin Starr & the Contours. Not long after, Mr. Williams worked with some of the biggest names in R&B of the time including: Chuck Jackson, Al Hudson & One Way, Phyllis Hyman, Michael Henderson, Jerome Rimson, Ray Parker Jr, Al Green, John Lee Hooker, Spinners, Funkadelics, Dramatics and the Dells to name a few. While performing with the Spinners legendary band leader Maurice King said to Micheal Jackson one night in Vegas that he was one of the best keyboard player the Spinners ever had. After years of touring the U.S., Africa, and Europe with various singers and musicians, Les decided to exercise his musical talents in a different manner. He went into advertisement, focusing on writing jingles , and copy. He make history when he wrote and produced the first AIDS awareness jingle for the Michigan Department of Public Heath. Additionally, he produced commercial jingles for Cheerios, Honeynut Cheerios, Pop Secret Popcorn, Sibley Shoes, The Michigan Lottery, Crissman Cadillac, Joe Dumars and Dark & Lovely just to name a few. He made history again in February of 05 being the first to write and produce the the first Black History Month radio spots for the Michigan Lottery. The passion for music still burns deep within Lester Williams, releasing his first solo CD, which is the culmination of 40 years of hard work and dedication to his craft. His CD entitled "Les Roll" explodes with excitement and energy from the first drum pick up on "Choo Choo Cha Boogie" to the big band ending on the "Big Dipper". IT'S MUSIC THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY. CLICK ON HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ALL PROFITS FROM ALBUM SALES WILL GO TO THE KATRINA'S RED CROSS FUND :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Martha Reeves Nov 9th 2005 - Update from August: Martha Reeves has won a new title in Detroit; she's now Detroit City Councilman Martha Reeves! Martha came in 9th on the available nine seat council, with 18 candidates running along with her, she won 5% of the available votes. Three seats were open on the council, and Reeves will be going down in Detroit history being the first Motown superstar to take on a political role in the City of Detroit. August 9th 2005 - Martha Reeves lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas appeared headed for one of 18 spots in the Nov. 8th general election for City Council. With nearly 75 percent of precincts reporting in Tuesday's primary, she was in ninth place out of 120 candidates. With 517 of the city's 720 precincts reporting, or 72 percent, Reeves had 20,279 votes, or about 3 percent. :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: Norman Whitfield July 18th 2005 - 65-year-old Norman Whitfield songwriter and leading Motown Records producer till 1975 is to serve six months of incarceration under home confinement, for failure to file U.S. income tax returns. Whitfield will be placed on probation for a year after his home detention is completed. Whitfield admitted in January that he had deliberately neglected to report to I.R.S. the $4 million in songwriting royalties he earned from 1995 through 1999. Out of five counts of willful failure to file an income tax return, he pleaded guilty to a single count under an agreement with federal prosecutors and made restitution on the $956,000 in taxes he owed the government. Whitfield served as the principal producer for The Temptations from 1966 until 1974. He co-wrote and produced such hits "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)." "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," which was first released by Gladys Knight & the Pips before Marvin Gaye turned it into a blockbuster hit for Motown in December 1968. Whitfield left Motown in 1975 to form his own label, Whitfield Records, (Rose Royce's "Car Wash,") Thankyou Clarence for sending me some of this info :~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: