Lamont Dozier, legendary Motown songwriter and producer, dead at 81
Even as a child, Lamont Dozier was drawn to words and how those words connected to music.
At 11, the Detroit native, who grew up with his strict grandmother, a choir director, wrote a poem, called "A Song," about how music affects the human psyche, that his teacher, Edith Burke, posted it on a classroom bulletin board at his school, Edgar Allan Poe Elementary. It stayed there for six months and he credited Burke with sparking his creativity.
"That stimulated me a lot to continue my writing. That lady did a lot for me," said Dozier.
And Dozier did a lot for the music world. The legendary songwriter and producer was one-third of the iconic Motown songwriting and producing trio, Holland-Dozier-Holland, considered one of the most accomplished music writing groups in modern popular music. Together, they put Motown's sound on the musical map in the 1960s, writing hits such as "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love." Dozier died Monday at the age of 81.
"As part of the unmatched song writing and production team of Holland Dozier Holland, Lamont Dozier is largely responsible for shaping the Motown Sound," said Robin Terry, chairwoman and CEO of the Motown Museum.
Dozier's son, Lamont Dozier Jr., confirmed his father's death on social media early Tuesday morning. The cause of death was unclear.
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Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier of Holland Dozier Holland dies.
The Holland-Dozier-Holland team were part of the Funk Brothers that created the unique Motown sound.
Best music of the era. Loved almost all of the Motown music in my youth, and I still love the Temptations and Stevie Wonder songs today.
Originally Posted by Valiant Woman
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