The songwriting genius, behind such classics as ‘Baby Love’ and ‘Two Hearts’, Motown legend Lamont Dozier has passed away at the age fo 81.
Leading tributes to Dozier, producer Brandon Williams wrote: “Another man that sat down and taught me a lot about music is gone.” “The great Lamont Dozier. I’ll never forget meeting and working with him along with the Holland Brothers in 2006. Thank you for all you did for me and for the world at large. You definitely made this place better.”
Known for co-writing such memorable hits as ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’, ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ and ‘Baby I Need Your Love’ for Motown acts The Four Tops, The Supremes and The Isley Brothers, Lamont was one third of the iconic songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Lamont’s first foray into music was singing in the gospel choir at his local Baptist church before going on to sign to Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown record label in 1962.
Lamont and siblings Eddie and Brian Holland would got their first string of hits records with The Vandellas’ ‘Come and Get These Memories’ and ‘Heatwave’ in 1963, and a year later, they hit the big time with The Supremes’ mega-hit ‘Where Did Our Love Go,’ their first of nine #1 singles.
In 1973, Lamont parted ways with his songwriting partners and released his own music. He and Phil Collins joined forces on a new rendition of ‘Two Hearts’ for the soundtrack to the 1988 film ‘Buster’. It topped the charts and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television in 1989.
In 1990, Holland-Dozier-Holland were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Lamont Dozier’s composer credits include music for Kanye West, Sir Rod Stewart, Lil Wayne, and Solange, to name a few.
Taking to social media, the iconic musician’s son, Lamont Dozier Jr, confirmed his father passing on Instagram and writing “Rest in Heavenly Peace, Dad!!!” alongside a picture of the pair.
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Author: Saul Goode