Question: who wrote papa was a rolling stone by the temptations
Answer: `` Papa Was a Rollin ' Stone '' Single by The Temptations from the album All Directions Released September 28 , 1972 Format 7 '' single Recorded Detroit , Michigan Hitsville USA ( Studio A ) ; May 15 , June 14 , June 22 and June 28 , 1972 Genre Psychedelic soul Length 6 : 54 ( Single edit ) 12 : 02 ( Album mix ) Label Gordy G 7121 Songwriter ( s ) Norman Whitfield Barrett Strong Producer ( s ) Norman Whitfield The Temptations singles chronology `` Mother Nature '' ( 1972 ) `` Papa Was a Rollin ' Stone '' ( 1972 ) `` Masterpiece '' ( 1973 )