The music industry has lost another behind the scenes legend. Motown songwriter Deke Richards, the leader of songwriting/production team, The Corporation, has died at the age of 68. The music industry pioneer lost a battle with esophageal cancer on Sunday, March 24 while staying at the Whatcom Hospice House. He is survived by his wife Joan Lussier and other relatives.
Motown founder Berry Gordy brought in Richards along with Fonce Mizell and Freddie Perren to pen songs for his label's roster. The songwriting team was a big part of the Jackson 5's success, penning the hits "I Want You Back", "The Love You Save" and "ABC". Richards also co-wrote Diana Ross and The Supremes' classic hit "Love Child" and Ross' solo hit "I'm Still Waiting".
A private ceremony has been arranged to celebrate Richards' life. In addition, the family would like all music industry colleagues and fans to support music education by donating via the HAL awards' site.
It’s a sad day for the music industry. Motown songwriter, Alphonzo Mizell, who wrote hits for The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and The Supremes, has passed away at age 68. He was an integral part of the success of some of the most iconic acts in history.
Alphonzo Mizell–or ‘Fonce’ as he was known to his friends–became an important figure in popular music during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Along with his brothers George and Robert, Fonce formed the legendary production team ‘The Corporation’. They worked closely with Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records, on projects for many iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
But it is their work alongside Michael Jackson and family that really stands out as they co-wrote classic songs such as ‘I Want You Back’, ‘ABC’, ‘The Love You Save’ and more. Plus they were instrumental in helping Diana Ross launch her successful solo career after she left The Supremes. It’s no exaggeration to say that without Alphonzo Mizell’s contributions to soul music over five decades ago we wouldn’t have some of the biggest pop songs ever written today!
Overview Of The Musician’s Career
Clarence Paul, a Motown songwriter, producer and arranger who wrote hits for the Jackson 5, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder and more has died at 68. His career in music began when he was 15 years old playing piano with John Lee Hooker’s band in Detroit. After joining Berry Gordy’s Motown Records as an artist-and-repertoire (A&R) man in 1959, his career exploded. He wrote some of their earliest and biggest hits from Smokey Robinson to Marvin Gaye.
Paul composed such memorable songs as “I Was Made To Love Her” for Stevie Wonder; “This Old Heart Of Mine” by The Isley Brothers; “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)” by Betty Everett; and “Mickey’s Monkey,” recorded both by The Miracles and Holland–Dozier–Holland group The Contours. But it was his work with the Jackson 5 that really put him on the map. He co-wrote several tracks like ‘ABC’ and ‘I Want You Back’ which would become classics of early 70s soul music.
He also produced several albums for Diana Ross including her self titled solo debut released in 1970. This album featured two singles written by Paul: “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand” and Remember Me”. Paul continued writing while producing records well into the 2000s until his death this past weekend due to complications related to Covid-19. He leaves behind a legacy of inspiring tunes that will remain timeless forevermore.
Legacy And Impact On Music
Clarence Paul had an extraordinary influence on music that will continue to be felt long after his passing. A true master of soul, he wrote and produced some of the most beloved tracks in pop history. His songs are still heard today on radio stations across the globe, with their unique blend of funk and R&B creating a sound like no other. He was also one of Motown’s key players, helping to shape its signature style which has been emulated by countless musicians since.
Paul’s songwriting prowess extended far beyond just Jackson 5 hits; many of his compositions have gone on to become classic standards covered by artists from all genres including jazz, folk, and rock. As well as being an integral part in launching Motown into mainstream success, Clarence Paul’s legacy lives on through the timelessness of his music. It is clear that without him, popular music would not sound the same today.
His impact can never be underestimated; he leaves behind a musical legacy that will live forever in our hearts and minds. Not only did he craft some of the greatest songs ever recorded but also opened up new paths for others who followed suit – allowing them to find their own voice within this world-renowned genre. We owe much thanks to Clarence Paul for providing us with such unforgettable tunes that we can now enjoy together for years to come.
Conclusion
It’s with sadness that we say goodbye to the beloved musician who created some of Motown’s most iconic songs. He provided a soundtrack for generations, and his music will continue to stand the test of time.
His skill as a songwriter was undeniable; he could capture emotion in words like no one else could. His lyrics touched people around the world, and had an immense impact on popular culture.
We’ll never forget all he gave us through his work – joy, sorrow, comfort. Though we may have lost him physically, his spirit lives on in his timeless creations – they are truly pieces of art that will forever remain in our hearts.
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.
