Lamont Dozier - Motown songwriter | The Story Behind The Song

Songwriter Lamont Dozier wrote many hits for the Motown label together with Brian and Eddie Holland, in this interview from 2018 he talks about some of his favorite songs: 'Heat Wave' by Martha & The Vandellas, 'I Hear A Symphony' by The Supremes, 'Bernadette' by The Four Tops and 'How Sweet It Is' by Marvin Gaye.

[@GreasyBelcher]

In 1993, I was 19 years old and on holiday in Majorca. I was sitting at the counter of a burger bar at 3am and this African American guy in his late 50’s walked in, sat beside me and ordered a burger. He had an incredible voice even when he spoke and I told him so. He said “Thanks, I appreciate it”. I asked him where he was from and he told me that he was originally from Detroit. I asked what he was doing on the island of Majorca and he told me that he was a singer who had some hits back in the day and that his group were performing on the island for a few months. I asked what the group was called, he said “you wouldn’t have heard of us”. I asked him to tell me the name of the group anyway so I could look them up. He then said, “We are called The Four Tops”. I then said, “Are you Levi Stubbs?” He was shocked that I had heard of not only his group but also knew his name. I listed a bunch of their hits and told him that Still Water was one of my favourite songs ever. He then asked me if I would like to go have a drink with him. I said, “absolutely, yes!”. He brought me to a bar that was closed to the public and knocked on a side door. We were lead down stairs into a cosy little basement bar for local performers and bar staff who had finished work. We ended up drinking lots of cocktails and talking about soul music and life until around 6:00am. We then left the bar, walked along the beach to a hotel where Levi was able to get one of the hotel staff to call him a taxi. I went back to my hotel and told all of my friends, they didn’t believe me at first, but I picked up a local paper and the Four Tops were being advertised as playing a hotel on the island.

[@donnaclinton991]

WOW!!! I am a SERIOUS Levi Stubbs fan, and thanks for sharing...had to read it twice. WOW!!!

[@bignah139]

Great story!!! Outstanding. RIP Levi Stubbs. Classic !!

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

That is an incredible story, and you get to tell it. 🙏

[@jean-michelcendrierenrotin9667]

Such a wonderful story, thanks for sharing! And thanks for made me discover still water, such a gem!

[@munimathbypeterfelton6251]

That is AMAZING!!!! You were so very lucky!!

[@teecee3837]

R.I.P Lamont. Your music shaped my musical tastes over the last 50 years

[@1mespud]

Thank you, LAMONT DOZIER for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. Your music was part soundtrack to my once young life and still. May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family. In the meantime, I'll keep the music playing.

[@vlera8447]

Heartfelt and well stated

[@VILJL]

He was one of the great songwriters of the 20th Century, and one-third of the writing team that helped bring fame to Motown. We are sad to report the passing of the great Lamont Dozier at age 81. His passing was reported on social media by his son, Lamont Dozier, Jr, and comes just a little over a year after the death of his wife and business partner, Barbara Dozier. Died on August 8, 2022 (aged 81) near Scottsdale, Arizona. Dozier was an inductee in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. As part of the iconic songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, he wrote over fifty #1 hits for such artists as the Supremes, The Isley Brothers, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and many others. The smashes included "Baby I Need Your Loving" and “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops, "Baby Love," “Where Did Our Love Go” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye and many more. (Soul Tracks)

[@dockerdave]

Holy crap. This guy is a living legend

[@davebrown9714]

YUP👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾

[@andyscott5277]

Now he’s just a legend 😞

[@andrewh5457]

@@andyscott5277 And what a legend he is.

[@outtathyme5679]

If this was 100 hours long I’d watch every minute

[@christopherclark5866]

Yes

[@gemcwright]

Absolutely!

[@vistalite-ph4zw]

Ditto

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson9932]

Me too ☺️

[@Chutney1luv]

I agree, but if this were 100 days long, it still wouldn't be enough time to hear him tell his wonderful stories! 🎶

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson9932]

Lamont was a great man and he has left a huge legacy, there's no doubt about that 😊

[@DavidRichardson95]

Rest in heaven Mr. Dozier. You and the Holland Brothers created timeless bodies of work. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

[@__rachel___]

RIP to this LEGEND

[@impactnu15]

This dude was unbelievable he wrote some of the most compelling songs of the century!

[@stephengriffin9992]

There are some people who are like comets in the sky: only here for a few precious years. Marvin Gaye was one such person. Now Lamont has gone to join him in the firmament. Rest easy brothers Lamont & Marvin.

[@jamesbelkin9204]

Man, H-D-H don't get enough credit for what they accomplished! I always hear about the same songwriters over and over *cough Lennon/McCartney, yet Lamont and the Holland brothers are always overlooked. Lamont had some great records on his own too. These gentlemen need a documentary!

[@frankfordmayfair]

I'm 62 yrs young. My mom and dad listen to all these songs then and now. Best music ever.Love you Lamont

[@knelle1114]

He and the Holland brothers are one of my favorite song writing teams.The Four Tops and the Supremes had a ton of success with them .

[@christopherclark5866]

And that made a very powerful voice and very promising career

[@ROGER2095]

High praise, coming from Willie Nelson!

[@sn7miller]

Talk about an incredible songwriter-musician that flies under the radar, Dozier is the poster child

[@amherst88]

Thanks very much for posting -- what stories he has . . . I can't imagine how it feels to have been part of some of the most 'permanent' music that was ever made . . .

[@georgeandy6923]

Rest in Peace and Power to One of the Greatest Songwriters in Music History! My sincere condolences to his Family, Loved Ones, and Friends!!

[@sacredcowmusicjukebox]

R.I.P. Lamont. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us. You definitely made an impact and left us with a legacy of music. God bless you as you go forward on your next journey.

[@joannewootton8328]

OMG this man's a LEGEND grew up on this man's music by my dad & Motown is the best music ever & all this music still sounds fresh & new today still & this music will still & out live the crap music of today that's for sure 👍

[@streamsandgalaxies]

R.I.P. to a legend! So many beloved songs that uplifted my life!

[@CharlesB-UNITEUS]

RIP Mr. Dozier. Thank you for the love your music brought to so many?

[@pantonpaul1478]

One of the greatest songwriter of all time

[@mustangjane1610]

These songs are timeless. Levi Stubbs, my favorite interpreter of their tunes. Thank you and God bless.

[@christopherclark5866]

AMD And very limited addition

[@abundantluxury8548]

Thank you Mr. Dozier legendary writer for Motown Records. Peace and many blessings be upon you sir👑🏆❤️💵💰🏦🙏🏽.

[@clubhead433]

These are the stories that I want to hear about. All the Motown docs and interviews I've seen, they never get deep with how the songs were created, what was the session like, etc. etc. Give us more before they transition!!!!!! Awesome!!!!

[@davidram9511]

The birth of great music, a time that will never be repeated, (history doesn’t always repeats itself) one an only musicians and singers, thank you

[@darinjames3313]

I wasnt aware of this genius. What a special Man. Times were so much different back then. Somedays I wish WE could go back there.....Thank you Mr. Dozier, for your beautiful words end rhymes that have given hope to US......God bless you...

[@bankman58]

A great songwriter whose contributions along with the Holland brothers are forever etched in musical history. Thank you, Lamont Dozier, May you Rest In Peace🙏🏽🎶🎹

[@kenstubrick634]

HDH made musical history that will last forever. Thanks for the music that you have given us. It is our privilege to listen to it. RIP and God bless you Mr. Dozier. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏

[@fenp77]

Holland and Holland and Lamont Dozier too, are here to make it all ok for you...

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Lamont Dozier + The Holland Brothers = Perfection

[@monicabella7894]

Genius

[@joejohnson453]

Mr Lamont, you are one of my favorite singer and writer's. Along with Johnny Bristol, and Leroy Hutson. My favorite song by you is "Got to hold on to my women". The late 60s and early 70s had some of the best songs to this day. Thank you sir.

[@judiko142]

My favorite line... but while I live only to hold you, some other men they long to control you... But how can they control you, Bernadette, when they cannot control themselves, Bernadette...

[@dianeclay7368]

Lamont is entertaining.he keeps your attention. With his songs and.his stories. He's a great song writer and a great.stories teller. I like that.

[@HoneyannAmaya]

Love it! Thanks for sharing with us dear sir! Please give us some more of your magic!😊

[@harmonichebe]

he and the holland brothers wrote too many phenomenal songs to list. between their songs and smokey's i wouldn't need to listen to anything else. Be Blessed

[@Chutney1luv]

I was raised on Lengendary Lamont Dozier's music! Him and the Holland brothers; wrote and produced the best Soulful music; that we still love today in 2022! How sweet it is to me loved by you!" ❤️❤️❤️

[@julieannemichelle]

Heat Wave is my all time favorite song!!!!!!❤️

[@LeviBulger]

Holland/Dozier/Holland. Legendary songwriters with maybe the Beatles as their only contemporaries in their heyday

[@rockit6553]

Lamont I can't say enough but thanks so much for what you've given us & the world of music. You truly are Mr. Motown!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Tec811]

A legend Lamont Dozier for bringing love and songs through our talented stars

[@beemocha]

A living legend!! 😎😃 I heard he’s related to John Witherspoon..I definitely see the resemblance between them in the eyes 👀😙

[@robertdoherty2001]

Favourite HDH? “Nowhere to Run”. OK, “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)”. Tough getting them down to just 2.

[@MykeFord950]

There really needs to be an in depth movie made about Holland-Dozier-Holland & how they truly made Motown with their prolific songwriting & how Berry Gordy & Motown wouldnt give them the credit & money that they deserved & earned

[@vistalite-ph4zw]

Unbelievable where and how he drew inspiration for these timeless classics! 😯

[@imrytebeehyneu]

I can't f--kin believe he wrote those songs. He will definitly be so missed. RIP sir, we'll never forget

[@davidriggs1470]

Lamont one of the greats with the Holland boys.Lovely to see the Tops.Lamont’s solo stuff is underated

[@yaboiavery5986]

Most underrated artist from that period. RIP Black Bach is amazing

[@julieannemichelle]

Thank you for the amazing songs that you wrote. Pure ear candy!!!

[@jonldn]

The catalogue of HDH songs is so ingrained in my life I can’t imagine that there was a time that they didn’t exist. Thank you doesn’t cover it...

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Hey Lamont love the Motown scene for sure thank you ALL so much from Lamont FL love & peace

[@jamesgibson3716]

RIP to the legendary songwriter!!!! Your gift will be cherished and remembered for ever and ever....Condolences to the family...#MotownLegend

[@mzsheila7511]

My Uncle...Walter Lee From Detroit....RIH!! was Good Friends with the Brother's Eddie & Brian Holland ...They had Good Times Back Then Writing Music!!

[@edwardholland1190]

Walter had a story of his own.

[@TheCissero]

I really want to hang out with Lamont. He is the genuis behind all the Detroit sounds soul music. Lamont is everything.

[@manuelesparza1081]

My fav singer All Cried Out, Let Me Start Tonight, Why Can't We Be Lovers

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Motown...when you start a non-stop hit factory and can't find the off switch. What an epic label.

[@67Stu]

I love Motown Stories!

[@westernnoir4808]

Man I could listen to a few hours of that. What a guy. All those timeless songs.

[@mustafahajj]

I just love seeing things in its infant stages. One half of the best song writer duo ever. God bless, brother!!!

[@chocloditelensman]

This is one of several things that I love about America ! Talent is talent.

[@electroncommerce]

Love and respect from MOTOWN!

[@OnlyLoveCan38]

I Hear a Symphony was my favorite Supreme songs

[@yahudah6239]

I would love to sit and talk with Mr.Dozier,yes Sir,An amazing man🙏🏽🙏🏽✌🏽

[@north42la]

This is a gem of a post. Thanks

[@jimmiesmith5811]

Outside of writing for other artists he recorded some great himself why cant we be lovers a breed kind of woman the picture never change trying to hold on to my woman fish ain't bitin try my love tonight all cried out and more a legend

[@blackczarina-detroitchanne1037]

A true Story , HE IS Black Bach, he is a Gift From God. So much love for this man ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mjloverforever91]

Legend ♥️

[@mv11000]

What a great guy! Such a humble genius.

[@rashaanemery8857]

Shine is probably my favorite song from Lamont Dozier

[@jc6594]

Happy 80th Birthday Lamont Dozier

[@ManfromuncoolBlogspotstars]

Immaculately perfectly wonderful.

[@edelgado555]

rest in peace genius!!!

[@phyllanders9503]

RIP Lamont Dozier.

[@HistoryRepeatingTMU]

Rest In Peace Lamont, you were a legend!!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Respect & love to one of the most important music writers of our times. I love Mr. Dozier!

[@Detrimental313]

R.I.P. Lamont Dozier 🙏🏾💪🏾

[@ikegee7420]

fish ain't bitin baby the great lamont dozier

[@sweetasaplum514]

WOW!!!!! LOVE THIS

[@reuireuiop0]

Look it up Holland-Dozier-Holland It's on neary every single mid 60s Motown record

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

RIP to a legend

[@TheMrpoet]

Now that's how you write and compose classic songs.

[@ChilesRussellTaylor]

R.I.P. Lamont Dozier (1941 - 2022)!

[@tjcolatrella943]

RIP Genius!

[@jeffrey322]

4:16: Hehehehe Great documentary on one of my favorite songwriters!

[@iamLexxKelsey]

Bernadette was real wow🔥

[@carolyng651]

FABULOUS

[@onestepbeyond7240]

Anyone notice Dianna forgot how the lyrics go ? "Whenever you're near......a symphony". She caught up, though.

[@oddballsok]

Marvin, marvin..."Byee"

[@rukawa23gold]

👍

[@JadMock]

Legend!

[@muybueno8453]

Diana messed up those lyrics on I Hear A Symphony on the Mike Douglas show but she was the consummate professional and kept going without missing a beat.

[@warriboy9850]

Awesome RIP

[@frankiehunter.]

My three favorite songs by Lamont Dozier are "You Can't Hurry Love", "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "(Come 'Round Here) I'm The One You Need". The first interpreters of the songs were The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Miracles. What are your favorite Dozier's songs?

[@motownfan3]

TWO HEARTS !!!

[@Nyjawonder]

Marvin Gaye and Mohammed Ali were the 2 most good looking men I ever saw. Roger Moore is my other favourite. RIP the 3 of them. God did exceptional work with those 3.

[@motownfan3]

What a GREAT MAN !!!!!!!!!!

[@Cheech519]

This man is a treasure

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Masters.

[@ghusaghusa2135]

RIP

[@yougotta2505]

honest storytelling

[@tracyskitchenandappalachia2954]

🎼🎼🎶🎹🎶😊🇺🇲so talented

[@BluePlanetMedia]

Back to my Roots is my favorite by him. Later covered by Richie Havens and F.P.I. Project