Lamont Dozier, one of the greatest and most successful musicians to emerge in Motown in the ’60s, passed away this week at the age of 81.
Dozier, a key member of the Holland-Dozier-Holland writing team, created/co-created hits including 14 US Billboards No.1 hit and four No.1 hits in the UK.
Holland-Dozier-Holland was responsible for creating what many still call the ‘Motown sound’, and worked with artists including Martha and Vandellas, The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Isley Brothers.
As a result, Dozier wrote credits for evergreen hits like I can find a witness, Where did our love go, Baby I need your lover, How sweet It is, Where are you running, Baby, This old heart of mine, Reach out, You’ll keep letting me cling and There is a ghost in my house.
As a solo musician, Dozier co-wrote hits including Golden Globes and Grammy Awards Two hearts with Phil Collins in the 1980s, plus Loco in Acapulco by Four Tops.
This week, a host of music industry leaders unsurprisingly paid tribute to Dozier and all that he has achieved in music.
These are just a few of those offerings.
Jody Gerson, Popular music “I have long cherished my relationship with Lamont Dozier and his wife, Barbara,” said the president and CEO of Publishing Group.
“He is not only an iconic musician, but also a loving husband and father. He’s brought to the world some of the greatest songs of all time and some of my personal favorites. The complete songwriter, his contribution to music, spanning five decades will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.”
Sony Music Publishing “Today we mourn the loss of Lamont Dozier, one of the most gifted musicians and producers of our time,” said in a statement. Together with brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, this trio will go on to create countless classics and contribute greatly to the timeless success of Motown Records. “
Ethiopian HabtemariamThe CEO and President of Motown Records today, said: “The world has lost an incredible force in music and I am heartbroken at this loss. Lamont Dozier was one of the first architects of Motown His sound and contributions through his art and composition continue to inspire generations.
“Lamont was an incredibly kind and loving person and I am forever grateful for the friendship and support from Dozier family over the years. Motown will continue to honor his legacy as we extend our deepest condolences to Dozier family.”
Merck MercuriadisFounder and CEO of Hipgnosis Song Management, wrote about his love for Dozier’s music in an op/ed published on Music Business Worldwide.
In it, Mercuriadis says: “Lamont is synonymous with Motown and the biggest hits and greatest music of all time.
“He is also an elegant, beautiful and kind person, always generous with his time and knowledge. I’m always full of energy when I spend time with him and I never lose sight of the presence of greatness – even when it seems like something he doesn’t even know. “Worldwide music business
