Search Results for: motown
Barrett Strong (February 5, 1941 – January 29, 2023) was born in West Point, Mississippi and was an American singer and songwriter and the first artist to record a hit for Motown. He is best known for his work as a songwriter and some of his most famous work at Motown including the lyrics for many of the songs recorded by the Temptations. Although, Barrett Strong was born in Mississippi, he grew up in Detroit where he sang and played piano with his four sisters in a gospel group called The Strong Sisters. While touring local churches, they befriended many…
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Lamont Dozier was born Lamont Herbert Dozier, on June 16, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, was a monumental figure in American music. His contributions as a singer, songwriter, and record producer have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Best known as one-third of the legendary songwriting and production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, Dozier’s work helped shape the sound of Motown Records and define the music of an era. Early Life and Beginnings Growing up in Detroit, a city known for its vibrant music scene, Lamont Dozier was immersed in a rich cultural environment that would greatly influence his career. His early…
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Musicians who were murdered – Musicians have historically held a unique place in society, serving as voices of dissent, cultural icons, and creators of deeply moving art. Unfortunately, some of these artists have met tragic and untimely deaths. Their lives were cut short, not by natural causes but by acts of violence or other deadly circumstances. In many cases, these losses have resonated deeply within society, leading fans to remember them not just for their contributions to music but for the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Here’s a look at several musicians who were tragically killed, exploring both the details of…
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Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic pop group the Jackson 5, and the brother of the late Michael Jackson, has reportedly passed away at the age of 70. Tito, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, was an integral part of the Jackson family’s musical dynasty, which has left an indelible mark on the global music industry over the last several decades. Early Life and Rise to Fame with the Jackson 5 Tito Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, the third of nine children in the legendary Jackson family. The Jackson family grew up in a working-class…
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Duke Fakir was born Abdul Kareem Fakir on December 26, 1935 and was a seminal figure in the world of music, known for being the last surviving member of the original lineup of The Four Tops, a legendary Motown group. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Fakir’s life and career were deeply intertwined with the rise of Motown Records and the soul music movement of the 1960s and beyond. Fakir’s parents were of Ethiopian and Yemeni descent, adding a rich cultural heritage to his American upbringing. He grew up in a neighborhood brimming with musical talent and was deeply influenced by the…
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Karl Wallinger was born Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, on October 19, 1957, and was a Welsh musician, songwriter, and record producer whose artistic contributions left an indelible mark on the landscape of British music. Best known for his role as the frontman and creative force behind the alternative rock band World Party, Wallinger also made significant contributions to The Waterboys, particularly with his work on their iconic song, “The Whole of the Moon.” Wallinger’s career spanned several decades, with his eclectic mix of musical styles and thoughtful lyrics resonating with audiences across generations. Early Life and Musical Foundations Karl…
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Katherine Anderson: A Soulful Siren of The Marvelettes Katherine Elaine Anderson Schaffner (January 16, 1944 – September 20, 2023) was an American singer best known as a member of the Marvelettes. In the annals of Motown history, there are iconic female vocalists who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Katherine Anderson, one of the founding members of The Marvelettes, stands as a testament to the enduring power of girl group harmonies and the raw, unbridled talent that emerged from the heart of Detroit during the 1960s. With a distinctive voice and unwavering determination, Anderson played a vital role…
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Fuzzy Haskins (June 8, 1941 – March 16, 2023) was born Clarence Eugene Haskins and was an American singer and a founding member of the groundbreaking and influential 1970s funk bands Parliament and Funkadelic, also known as Parliament-Funkadelic. Clarence Eugene “Fuzzy” Haskins was born in Elkhorn, West Virginia, and grew up in New Jersey. In the late 1950s, he was a founding member of doo wop vocal group “The Parliaments” which was led by George Clinton. The group originated as a barbershop quintet in the back room of a barber shop on West 3rd Street in Plainfield, New Jersey. “The…
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Chuck Jackson (July 22, 1937 – February 16, 2023) was an American R&B singer who was one of the first artists to record material by Burt Bacharach and Hal David successfully. He has performed with moderate success since 1961. His hits include “I Don’t Want to Cry”, “Any Day Now”, “I Keep Forgettin’”, and “All Over the World”. Chuck Jackson was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937 and grew up in Latta, South Carolina singing in a gospel group before he moved to Pittsburgh when he was 13. Between 1957 and 1959, Chuck Jackson was a member of The…
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Burt Bacharach (May 12, 1928 – February 8, 2023) was an American musical legend, composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist who composed hundreds of pop songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. Some of his most popular songs included: . Burt Freeman Bacharach was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in New York City, graduating from Forest Hills High School in 1946. He was the son of Irma M. (née Freeman) and Mark Bertram “Bert” Bacharach, a well-known syndicated newspaper columnist. Burt Bacharach’s mother was an amateur painter and songwriter…
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