Lamont Dozier Cause of Death Unknown: Motown Songwriter Dead at 81

Legendary Motown songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier passed away at the age of 81.

Dozier was part of the esteemed songwriting and production trio "Holland-Dozier-Holland" who penned most of the tracks for Motown Records.

Throughout his career, he has written Motown Records' greatest hits that have become staple classic hits in the American household.

Lamont Dozier Cause of Death Unknown

Lamont Dozier's cause of death remains a mystery as of this writing. His son, Lamont Dozier Jr. confirmed the death of his father on social media.

It is expected that more news about the death of the songwriting giant would be released in the coming days and weeks.

Lamont Dozier's death left his wife, Barbara, and their three children, including Lamont Dozier Jr.

Lamont Dozier Music Career

Born in 1941 in Detroit, Lamont Dozier had a rough start in his songwriting career. But he had made strides after joining the Holland brothers and creating significant work for Motown Records in the early 60s. (via Variety)

In 1963, they have already written three hits for Martha and the Vandellas - "Come and Get These Memories," "Heatwave" and "Quicksand."

The group has persisted throughout the years that passed but they eventually left the company because of legal matters and a falling out with Motown founder Berry Gordy. They then worked under pseudonyms afterward.

The trio continued their songwriting and production career, penning songs like "Band of Gold" for Freda Payne and on their own music labels.

At a time, Lamont Dozier worked independently as a solo artist. His 1981 hit "Going Back to My Roots" was widely popular and was even covered by New York City trio Odyssey.

Later on, Dozier collaborated with Phil Collins in producing the chart-topping hit "Two Hearts." He has also worked with other homegrown Motown talents like Alison Moyet and Simply Red.

Dozier was the unsung hero behind classic Motown hits, along with Briand and Eddie Holland.

They penned songs like "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Stop! in the Name of Love," "How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)," "Baby Love," "Reach Out I'll Be There," and "You Keep Me Hanging On" among many others.

In 1990, Dozier and the Hollan Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Motown