Who Is Norman Whitfield's SUPERSTAR?

[Boogiedown]

Some very interesting suggestions here.

Being unimaginative I didn’t imagine any particular agenda here, I always thought the song was about no particular individual, but rather the all too common syndrome when fame takes off and super ego kicks in. An all too common, almost inevitable consequence of fame and fortune which Norman or for that matter, anyone involved in show business witnessed on numerous occasions and will be familiar with.

Yes I didn't worry too much about it at the time . As a song concept, the general appeal of its message was rather limited, the record peaked at #18. Only reading later about what brought its writing to fruition, did it make sense for the concept to be sung by the Tempts. [their bitterness toward former members].

It's this added tidbit ...that the song was originally about [?producer?] that adds to the intrigue.

After its hit status waned, did The Tempts perform SUPERSTAR as a regular song in their concerts , did they keep it in their shows ongoing thereafter?


Answer : yes

Here's another possible Detroit friend/producer: Harvey Fuqua . He bailed from Motown seeking greener pastures at RCA around this time in 1971. He's a long shot in this horse race though.