Lamont Dozier
Lamont Herbert Dozier was born on June 16, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up immersed in music from his father's record collection and a local Baptist gospel choir. He began writing lyrics and music before his teens, founding the group The Romeos at age 13, which signed to Atco Records in 1957 and charted with "Fine Fine Baby". Later, he joined The Voicemasters on Anna Records before signing exclusively with Motown in 1962 as a singer, producer, and songwriter.
Dozier formed the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland (HDH) team with brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, crafting over 25 Top 10 hits from 1963-1967 for acts like The Supremes, Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, and Isley Brothers. Their work defined the Motown sound, blending pop and R&B to rival the Beatles and break racial music barriers. HDH produced 14 Billboard #1 hits in the US and 4 in the UK.
After leaving Motown in 1967 due to disputes, Dozier co-founded Invictus and Hot Wax Records, scoring hits with Freda Payne ("Band of Gold"), Honey Cone, Chairmen of the Board, and 100 Proof (Aged in Soul). As a solo artist from 1972, he released gold albums on ABC Dunhill like Out Here on My Own with hits "Trying to Hold On to My Woman" and "Fish Ain't Bitin'". In the 1980s-1990s, he collaborated internationally, writing "Two Hearts" with Phil Collins (Grammy winner, Oscar nominee for Buster), "Invisible" for Alison Moyet, and tracks for Simply Red.
Dozier founded Hithouse Records in the late 1990s with his wife Barbara Ullman Dozier, releasing Lamont Dozier...An American Original in 2002, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album. He passed away on August 8, 2022, at age 81. His prolific output shaped soul, pop, and R&B across decades.
Bittersweet
A2 Love Me To The Max (Herman Chaney, Rene Moore, Angela Winbush 5:46)
A3 True Love Is Bittersweet (Kathy Wakefield, Lamont Dozier 4:41)
A4 Tough Act To Follow (Lamont Dozier 3:51)
B1 I Got It All With You (Lamont Dozier 4:33)
B2 We're Just Here To Feel Good (Lamont Dozier 4:42)
B3 Let Your Love Run Free (Rene Moore, Angela Winbush 4:44)
B4 Fly Away Little Birdsong Judy Wieder, Lamont Dozier 5:14)
Label: Warner Bros. Records – BSK 3282
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Dozier's sixth solo studio album Bittersweet showcases his smooth vocal style and features a blend of soulful and bouncy tracks, including elements of disco and slow jams that he became known for in his solo career following his departure from Motown. The overall sound is characterized by rich rhythm sections and string arrangements.
Bittersweet was produced by Frank Wilson, with various rhythm and string arrangements handled by Ronald Coleman, Bruce Miller, and Webster Lewis.
Described as a "dark little groover" and a "key crossover work," the album showcases a more complex and sophisticated musical style for the former Motown songwriter and producer.
Peddlin’ Music On The Side
A2 What Am I Gonna Do 'Bout You (Girl) (The Coke Song) 6:24
A3 Break The Ice 4:50
A4 Tear Down The Walls 4:02
B1 Going Back To My Roots 9:45
B2 Family 4:41
B3 Peddlin' Music On The Side 4:51
(All tracks written by Lamont Dozier)
Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 3039
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Peddlin' Music On The Side is a critically acclaimed 1977 album by Lamont Dozier, widely regarded by fans as one of his best solo works. While it was not a major commercial success at the time, it is highly praised for its exceptional musicianship, strong songwriting, and the inclusion of the iconic track "Going Back to My Roots".
The album is considered an underappreciated classic of smooth soul and R&B. Reviewers and fans laud the record for its high-class production. The album, primarily produced by Stewart Levine, features top-quality arrangements that blend R&B, soul, and jazz elements.
Dozier is supported by a stellar line-up of musicians including Joe Sample and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders, Ray Parker Jr., and James Gadson.
Critics highlight Dozier's signature raspy vocals and the emotional depth of his delivery, which is described as being at the top of his form as a solo artist.
Despite its initial commercial disappointment, Peddlin' Music On The Side has gained a strong reputation over the years as a sophisticated, high-quality R&B album that perfectly marries musicianship and emotion. It's a cohesive and well-executed project that remains a favorite among soul and funk enthusiasts. You can often find the album and fan discussions on sites like Discogs and find various reissues available on platforms like Amazon.