The first time I heard Papa Was A Rolling Stone by The Temptations, I was blown away by the majestic horns and swirling strings. The vocals are pretty darn good too. It’s peak Motown: Norman Whitfield’s production masterpiece.

Papa Was A Rolling Stone was written in 1972 by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Believe it or not it was recorded by another vocal group first: The Undisputed Truth. Does anyone dispute that?

We begin with the OG un-hit version in which the G was dropped from the title. I’m not big on G dropping or dropping much of anything.

Here’s the  single we all know and love by The Temptations followed by the 12 minute album version complete with a dropped G:

David Lindley & El Rayo-X put their own quirky spin on this week’s tune in 1988.

The post about Mark Ryden was inspired by this Was (Not Was) album cover:

Next up, Regina Carter and Cassandra Wilson:

The Black Crowes put a rock twist on the Whitfield-Strong classic in 2022:

Finally, George Michael with a medley of a song written by Adamski and Seal with this week’s tune. It’s killer.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of the week’s tune? This time, the ubiquitous Roy Ayers followed by the swell saxophone stylings of Gene Ammons:

That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to Whitfield and Strong. Thanks for all the great music. It’s what Mac, Irma, Allen, and Aaron would want. Never argue with them.