Rest in Peace Lamont Dozier

Ultra prolific song writer Lamont Dozier transcended Monday August 8th 2022.  Dozier was the middle name in the famed song writing trio Holland Dozier Holland.  Holland Dozier Holland was responsible for more than 80 singles that hit the top 40 between 1963-1972.  

Mr. Dozier and his partners Eddie and Brian Holland wrote hits for Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Michael Jackson, Eddie Kendricks and more.  (For a full list of their hits click on the link below)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_written_by_Holland,_Dozier_and_Holland

The impact of Mr. Dozier’s writing cannot be measured. To only talk about his hits would be to understate his career.  Because his music was more than just a song. They were mini stories.  in a 3 minute song his lyrics could tell a movie.  Iconic songs like “Stop in the Name of love”, “Come See about Me”, “Heatwave”, “Same old Song” found ways to address a problem in relationships and sing a solution all during the same song.  

Mr Dozier got his start at Motown, with a salary of $25 a week. Mr. Dozier began collaborating with the young songwriter Brian Holland. “It was like Brian and I could complete one another’s musical ideas the way certain people can finish one another’s sentences,” Mr. Dozier wrote in his memoir. “I realized right away that we shared a secret language of creativity.”

They were later joined by Brian’s older brother, Eddie, and began writing songs together — although hardly ever with all three parties in the same room. Mr. Dozier and Brian Holland would write the music and supervise an instrumental recording session with the Motown house band; Eddie Holland would then write lyrics to the track. When it came time to record vocals, Eddie Holland would guide the lead singer and Mr. Dozier would coach the backing vocalists.

The prime of Holland Dozier Holland, and of Motown, ended in 1968 amid questions and legal disputes over royalties and other issues. Holland Dozier Holland left the label, and neither side would recover. The Four Tops and the Supremes were among the acts who suffered from no longer having their most dependable writers. Meanwhile, Holland Dozier Holland’s efforts to start their own business fell far short of Motown. The labels Invictus and Hot Wax both faded within a few years, and Dozier would recall with disbelief the Hollands’ turning down such future superstars as Al Green and George Clinton. Holland Dozier Holland did release several hits, including Freda Payne’s “Band of Gold” and Honey Cone’s “Want Ads.” One of his final hits at Motown “All I do is think of you” with the Jackson 5 was later re made by Troop. This timeless classic is proof that love has no ending date.

Although things ended the way they ended at Motown, that doesn’t change what they did while there.  Lamont Dozier’s skill for song writing is second to none.  Being humble enough to collaborate with his partners the Holland brothers is a testament to his willingness to put the music first.  Mr Dozer’s music outlasted his time at Motown. His music has been remade countless times. His music will continue to be re done as time moves forward. Because no matter how fast time moves, love is and will always be here. His music was about love and life. Thank you for contributing to all of our lives. Rest in peace Mr Lamont Dozier.