Deke Richards dies, Richards wrote classics for Jackson 5, Diana Ross
Deke Richards, whose real name was Dennis Lussier, along with Motown founder Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell and Freddie Perren comprised 'The Corporation,' the label's in-house producers and writers in the 1960s and 1970s.
Deke聽Richards, who led the prolific songwriting and producing team at聽Motown聽Records that wrote for the Jackson 5 under the simple heading The Corporation, has died,Universal Music聽said on Monday.
Richards, 68, died on Sunday at the Whatcom Hospice House in聽Bellingham,聽Washington, surrounded by his immediate family,聽Universal Music聽said in a statement. He had been battling a long illness, it said.
Richards, whose real name was聽Dennis Lussier, along with聽Motown聽founder聽Berry Gordy,聽Alphonzo Mizell聽and聽Freddie Perren聽comprised "The Corporation," the label's in-house producers and writers in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Corporation wrote and produced the Jackson 5's first three songs to reach No. 1: "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save," as well as many others, Universal said.聽Richards聽also wrote for聽Diana Ross,聽Martha Reeves聽& the Vandellas, and other artists.
Richards聽is survived by his wife,聽Joan Lussier; his brother,聽Dane Lussier; and nephews聽Chris Lussier聽and聽Cory Lussier. (Reporting by David Bailey in Minneapolis; Editing by Catherine Evans)