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🎸 I want to know the story of the song 'Papa Was a Rollin Stone'

🎧 I want to listen to the song 'Papa Was a Rollin Stone'

👋 Welcome on our website dedicated to the stories of iconic songs. In the section below you’ll find the explanations related to the song Papa Was a Rollin Stone. You can also find other tracks via the search bar. Enjoy your reading!

Discover the story of the song > Papa Was a Rollin Stone – The Temptations

Who sang Papa Was a Rollin Stone?

The Temptations released the song Papa Was a Rollin Stone. Date of release: 28/9/1972.

Release date: 28/9/1972

Duration: 07:00

Writer(s): Norman Whitfield

Producer(s): Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

The story of the song ' Papa Was a Rollin Stone '

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The Temptations - Short Biography

- The Temptations are an American vocal group from Detroit, Michigan.
- They released a series of hit singles and albums with Motown Records from the 1960s through the 1970s.
- They are known for their work with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning with the hit single "Cloud Nine" in 1968.
- Their work paved the way for a new style of psychedelic soul and played an important role in the evolution of R&B and soul music.
- They sold tens of millions of albums, making them one of the most popular groups in popular music.

Image credit: Bernie Ilson, Inc. – Wikimedia

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Papa Was a Rollin' Stone is a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Motown group The Temptations. It was released as a single in May 1972, reaching #1 on the R and B charts and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was included on the 1972 album All Directions.

Whitfield and Strong wrote the song in response to a question from Smokey Robinson, the leader of the Temptations at the time, "Why do people like stories about misery so much?" According to Robinson, they then spent "months" refining the song.

The song tells the story of a man who led a life of debauchery and crime, and whose children witnessed his death. The lyrics highlight the negative effects of the character's lifestyle on his family.

The song was recorded in several sessions at Motown's Hitsville USA studio between March and May 1972. It was produced by Whitfield and arranged by Paul Riser. The song is seven minutes and thirty seconds long, making it one of the longest songs to be released as a single.

The original version of the song, performed by the band, was included on the album "All Directions", released in July 1972. The song has been covered by several artists, including George Clinton, Isaac Hayes, the Undisputed Truth, and En Vogue.

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