Producer Spotlight — Holland-Dozier-Holland
The music sound of the sixties can be synonymous with artists that came from the legendary Motown record label, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. But, that sound wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland (Brian’s brother), a songwriting/producing trio who worked with artists such as The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.
All three had a connection with Gordy separately before joining to create a songwriting and producing team. Gordy worked with Eddie Holland in producing Holland’s single, “You” in 1958, Brian Holland was a Motown staff songwriter, and Lamont Dozier was a recording artist on Gordy’s sister’s record label. Once they created the team, they decided that they liked working “behind the scenes.”
Holland-Dozier-Holland (as they were collectively known) began their streak of hits with The Marvelette’s “Locking Up My Heart”, Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get a Witness?” and Martha Vandellas’ “Heat Wave.”
Watch Martha and the Vandellas perform “Heat Wave” here.
At this point, there was a thing such as the “Motown Sound” which was an uptempo beat with an infusion of elements of gospel, R&B and with a touch of pop. The team hit paydirtin 1964 and 1965 with the both groups the Four Tops and The Supremes which included a handful of number one hits such as “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love” and “Stop! In The Name of Love” which reached number one on the Billboard pop singles chart in late March of 1965. They ended up writing and producing over 50 acts on the Motown label.
The video of The Supremes’ “Stop In The Name of Love.”
As with most musical relationships, they somehow come to an end. With Holland-Dozier-Holland and Berry Gordy/Motown, they were no different. In 1967, the trio disputed Gordy over profit-sharing and royalties. (The lawsuit was later settled.) The relationship became strained and the trio eventually left Motown in 1968. H-D-H founded the Invictus/Hot Wax record label where they continued their work with artists such as Chairman of the Board’s “Give Me Just a Little More Time” and the hit record by Freda Payne “Band of Gold.”
Listen to Freda Payne’s “Band of Gold.” here.
After a short run with the record label, Dozier left the team and started his career again as a solo artist. The Holland brothers replaced Dozier and worked with the Supremes and Michael Jackson. They also founded another record label HDH Records and Productions. Present day, the reunited trio composed the score for the musical production of The First Wives Club, based on the Thbook and hit film.
The famed songwriting and producing team was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two years later in 1990.