Singer, Songwriter. He is best remembered for his song "Mama Said" which he co-wrote with composer Luther Dixon, that was recorded by the Shirelles in 1961, becoming a number 5 hit and one of the most memorable songs of the female group era. He was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia and in 1957 he moved to New York City, New York, working for the US Post Office at night while pursuing his musical career during the day. In 1959 he and Dixon penned "Mama Said" in honor of his own mother. He and Dixon went on to write other songs for the Shirelles, including "Stop the Music," "The Things I Want to Hear (Pretty Words)," "Love Is a Swingin' Thing," and "Blue Holiday." He wrote songs for other recording artists, including Gene Pitney's "Backstage (I'm Lonely)," Gene McDaniels' "A Tear," Tammy Montgomery's "It's Mine," and the Ronettes' "Recipe For Love." In 1962 he attempted to launch his own recording career under the names of Denny Denson and as Wee Willie Denson on the Rayna and May labels respectively, which met with little success. Later he would make appearances on musical television shows such as American Bandstand and Soul Train. In 1995 he returned to his native Columbus, making headlines six years later when he won $3 million dollars in the Georgia lottery. During his career he published more than 250 songs. He died at his home after a long battle with lung cancer at the age 69.
Singer, Songwriter. He is best remembered for his song "Mama Said" which he co-wrote with composer Luther Dixon, that was recorded by the Shirelles in 1961, becoming a number 5 hit and one of the most memorable songs of the female group era. He was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia and in 1957 he moved to New York City, New York, working for the US Post Office at night while pursuing his musical career during the day. In 1959 he and Dixon penned "Mama Said" in honor of his own mother. He and Dixon went on to write other songs for the Shirelles, including "Stop the Music," "The Things I Want to Hear (Pretty Words)," "Love Is a Swingin' Thing," and "Blue Holiday." He wrote songs for other recording artists, including Gene Pitney's "Backstage (I'm Lonely)," Gene McDaniels' "A Tear," Tammy Montgomery's "It's Mine," and the Ronettes' "Recipe For Love." In 1962 he attempted to launch his own recording career under the names of Denny Denson and as Wee Willie Denson on the Rayna and May labels respectively, which met with little success. Later he would make appearances on musical television shows such as American Bandstand and Soul Train. In 1995 he returned to his native Columbus, making headlines six years later when he won $3 million dollars in the Georgia lottery. During his career he published more than 250 songs. He died at his home after a long battle with lung cancer at the age 69.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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