Singer, Songwriter. He played a key part in the early success of Motown Records, staff producer, talent scout, and engineer with the label in the early 1960's. He was among the first personnel Berry Gordy Jr. hired at Motown Records in 1959. In 1961 he co-wrote the million-seller "Please Mr. Postman," for The Marvelettes, this was Motown's first number one pop smash. In 1963 he left Motown Records and moved to New York, remaining in the music industry, he worked at Capitol Records and went on to produce material with artists such as Wilson Pickett. In 1970 he returned to Detroit working in local studios. Before joining the Motown staff, he was an original member of the vocal group the Satintones, members were Vernon Williams, Sonny Sanders, James Ellis, Sammy Mack and Robert Bateman. The Satintones were the first group to ever record a single for Motown. Although the group recorded six singles for the Motown label between 1959 and 1961, they never scored a hit record. The group disbanded at the end of 1961. His last public appearance was in Dearborn, Michigan when he attended and was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in August, 2016. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Detroit. He was 80 years old.
Singer, Songwriter. He played a key part in the early success of Motown Records, staff producer, talent scout, and engineer with the label in the early 1960's. He was among the first personnel Berry Gordy Jr. hired at Motown Records in 1959. In 1961 he co-wrote the million-seller "Please Mr. Postman," for The Marvelettes, this was Motown's first number one pop smash. In 1963 he left Motown Records and moved to New York, remaining in the music industry, he worked at Capitol Records and went on to produce material with artists such as Wilson Pickett. In 1970 he returned to Detroit working in local studios. Before joining the Motown staff, he was an original member of the vocal group the Satintones, members were Vernon Williams, Sonny Sanders, James Ellis, Sammy Mack and Robert Bateman. The Satintones were the first group to ever record a single for Motown. Although the group recorded six singles for the Motown label between 1959 and 1961, they never scored a hit record. The group disbanded at the end of 1961. His last public appearance was in Dearborn, Michigan when he attended and was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in August, 2016. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Detroit. He was 80 years old.
Bio by: Babe
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