By IRVMILNE (81.152.214.220) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:12 pm:

mine would include H.D.H,ASHFORD AND SIMPSON,NORM WHITFIELDAND BARETT STRONG,SMOKEY,FRANK WILSON,MICKEY STEVENSON,LIEBER AND STOLLER,BACHARACHT AND DAVID,ISSAC HAYES,BARRY WHITE,IF I VE MISSED ANYONE OUT SORRY THIS IS OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:22 pm:

My faves:
Holland-Dozier-Holland
Smokey Robinson
Laura Nyro
Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
Thom Bell & Linda Creed
Daryl Hall & John Oates
August Darnell a/k/a Kid Creole
Gloria Estefan
Bobby Eli and whomever he collaborated with
Frank Wilson
Clay McMurray
Sylvia Moy
Stevie Wonder
Marvin Gaye
Eugene Record
Curtis Mayfield
Barbara Acklin
Roquel Billy Davis & Berry Gordy
Brenda & Patrice Holloway (they co-wrote "You Make Me So Very Happy")
Barry White
Isaac Hayes
Chuck Berry (rock & roll's greatest storyteller)
Little Richard
Bob Dylan
Ashford & Simpson
Paul Weller & Mick Talbot (Style Council)

I'll stop for now...

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By John Lester (213.123.145.101) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:37 pm:

Don't stop Kev

Henry Cosby
Ivy Jo Hunter
Clarence Paul
James Dean
William Weatherspoon
Lewis Sisters
Deke Richards...DEKE..now where is THAT man!!!!!

By irvmilne (81.152.214.220) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:37 pm:

bloomin heck how could i forget about curtis mayfield he wrote just about every soul record that came out of chicago , great list

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:45 pm:

irv:
Don't feel bad...I forgot a few, too (Deke Richards, Freddie Perren, Leon Sylvers)
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:45 pm:

Van McCoy
Carolyn Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Skip Scarborough

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:46 pm:

Rod Temperton

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:49 pm:

Johnnie Wilder, Jr. of Heatwave (wrote "Mind Blowing Decisions" and "Happiness Togetherness")

Stony Browder of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:49 pm:

Carole King
Leon Russell
Brenda Russell

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 04:52 pm:

Gloria Jones
Pam Saywer
Jim Weatherly

By Eli (141.151.88.67) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:18 pm:

Thanks for the post Kev!!!

My faves are:
Vinnie Barrett
Smokey
Len Barry
Rodgers & Hammerstein
Bell& Creed
HDH
The Bergmans
Bacharach & David
Harris & Felder
Gamble & Huff
The Bryants
Jimmy Webb

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:31 pm:

How about Elton John and Bernie Taupin?

By Charmedes (142.165.109.10) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:38 pm:

Holland-Dozier-Holland
Bacharach and David
Lieber and Stoller
Beatles
Doors
Bob Dylan

By Des (81.152.238.42) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

Are there any of my favourites missing?
A few that spring to mind :

Bill Withers
Becker & Fagen
Paddy McAloon
Prince
Michael McDonald
Joni Mitchell
McDonald & Salter
Todd Rundgren
Tom Jobim
Joao Gilberto
Jam & Lewis
Marcus & Luther

Des

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:43 pm:

WELL!!!...SINCE THIS TOPIC IS NOT "SOUL MUSIC" SPECIFIC...I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE...
COLE PORTER...
RODGERS & HART & HAMMERSTEIN...
IRVING BERLIN...
PLUS...SOME OF THOSE ALREADY MENTIONED...ESPECIALLY CURTIS MAYFIELD!!!...
STUBASS

By SoulJones (62.252.69.145) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 05:44 pm:

A list as long as my ...arm

Dan Penn
Gamble & Huff
Bell & Creed
HDH
Wilson & Asher
Levert & Nicholas
Pomus & Shuman
Lennon & McCartney
Raphael Saadiq
Shuggie Otis
Green/Jackson/Mitchell
Bert Berns
Smokey
Eugene Record
Big Jim Wright/Jam & Lewis
Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett

Selected works of Babyface
Prince/Wonder/Sly it just goes on...

SoulJones

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.0.42) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 09:42 pm:

Hank Ballard
Kenny(babyface)Edmonds
Gary Glenn
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Miles Jaye
Lionel Richie
Michael J. Powell
Barret Strong/Rob Bateman
Richard Carpenter
Marvin Gaye
Michael McDonald/Kenny Loggins
Gino Vannelli
Burt Bacharach
Herbie Hancock
Charlie Smalls
Norman Connors
James Clevland
Lonnie Listen Smith
Bobby Womack
Bobby Caldwell
Teddy Riley
Prince
Winans
Felis Cavalier
Walter/Edwin Hawkins
Bunny Sigler
George Benson
Lennon/McCartney
Maurice White
Marvin Yancy/Chuck Jackson

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.0.42) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 09:45 pm:

..and how could I 4get Otis Redding?

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 09:46 pm:

AND HOW COULD *I* FORGET OTIS REDDING!!!...STUBASS

By motownboy (67.117.46.217) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 10:04 pm:

Diane Warren -

I just recently discovered that she wrote:

"Rhythm of the Night" by DeBarge,
"Solitaire" by Laura Brannigan
"If I Could Turn Back Time" by Cher
"If You Asked Me To" by Patti LaBelle & Celine Dion
"Don't Turn Around" by Aswad & Ace of Base

By Edgar (200.46.132.181) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 10:42 pm:

Just for "Angel", Carolyn Franklin deserves a place somewhere... Otis Redding for "Respect", "(Sittin'On) The Dock of the Bay" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long"; Ronnie Shannon for "I Never Loved a Man" and "Baby, I Love You" (I've been listening to Aretha's box set "Queen of Soul" lately. She has also penned fine tunes. I love "Daydreaming".) Michel Legrand has written some outstanding songs, as well as Leonard Caston and Kathy Wakefield. What about Anita Poree, Skip Scarborough? Marilyn McLeod and her "Love Twins" and "Love Hangover"... And Syreeta, Mancini, Ralph MacDonald, Minnie...

By medusa (66.73.0.42) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 11:55 pm:

Donny Hathaway

By Jim Vitti (69.14.79.211) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:04 am:

Paul Simone and Carol King

By Jim Vitti (69.14.79.211) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:07 am:

Paul Simone and Carol King

By Eli (141.151.2.45) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:18 am:

I would like to add to my aforementioned list:

Bunny Sigler & Phil Hurtt
Dianne Warren
Steveland Morris
Cole Porter
Sammy Kahn
Tupac Shakur
Marshall Mathers
Babyface
Jam & Lewis
lennon & Mc Cartney
Elton John & Bernie Taupin

By Fred (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:30 am:

Some missing names:

Jerry Ragovoy
Arthur Alexander
Issac Hayes and David Porter
Spooner Oldham
Steve Cropper
Roy Orbison
George Jackson

By 1wicked (24.126.64.120) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:06 am:

All of the above + Jefferson/Hawes/Simmons. How do they rank in your book Bobby ?

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:43 am:

Smokey, Smokey, and Smokey one mo time :o)
Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland
Maurice White
Ashford and Simpson
Norman Whitfield and Barret Strong
Stevie Wonder
props to Bobby Eli also

...and an honorable mention to Berry Gordy for "Money"...love that song...

Don't be mistaken, though, my list extends much longer, it's just that those I mentioned are the ones whose names I actually know. There are lots of songs and music that I think are BEAUTIFULLY written, I guess I just need to get on top of my game in this area and give these people some much deserved credit. Now I know how those people that I used to try to educate on "who the hell the Funk Brothers are" felt, last year when I told them that a new movie was coming out about the Funk Brothers.

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.160) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 07:59 am:

My favewriters would be 1)Smokey Robinson 2)Mickey Stevenson/Ivy Jo Hunter 3)H-D-H 4)Spector/Greenwich/Barry 5)Mary Wells/Cecil Womack 6)Ashford/Simpson 7)Norman Whitfield 8)Dunbar/Wayne 9)Gamble/Huff 10)Berry Gordy and so many more from Motown, Stax, & Philly(including Bobby Eli).

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 08:42 am:

Y'all have just about covered everyone. I'd like to add two names to the august body listed above: Van Morrison, one of my favorites for many years who still remains prolific and vital as a composer and vocalist, and SD's own Marshall Crenshaw, whose brand new studio release, "What's In The Bag?", is out today(yipee!).

By Nish (66.119.33.170) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:27 am:

SMOKEY ROBINSON!! That's the no-brainer of the century. Cosigning to most of the people mentioned, and adding:

George Kerr, Sylvia Robinson, Sylvia Moy, Leon Ware, Jimmy Webb, Barbara Mason, Mickey Stevenson, Clay McMurray.

All the standards writers - Porter, Kern, Gershwin, Waller, Ellington, etc.

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:30 am:

Hello everyone,

Edgar: I agree with you about Carolyn Franklin. She was quite talented as a songwriter.

My other favorites are:
HDH
Johnny Bristol
Barrett Strong
Sylvia Moy
Teena Marie
Nina Simone("Four Women" sealed it for me!)
Sly (He has such a wonderful way with words)
Lionel Richie(when he was with the Commodores)
Gil Scott Heron(yeah, he's a poet, but "The Bottle is my favorite song by him)
Lennon/McCartney
Frank Wilson
Issac Hayes/Dave Porter
Minnie Riperton/Dick Randolph
Leon Ware (writes some very sensual love ballads)
Thom Bell
Stevie Wonder
Billy Strayhorn (Solitude, etc. Need I say more)
Willie Nelson (I ain't crazy about his singing, but "Crazy" is a favorite of mine)
Bob Dylan

And the list goes on. So I'll stop for now.

Peace!

By Jim G (12.47.224.12) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:48 am:

Common, nice list, but please note that Ellington rather than Strayhorn wrote "Solitude". Billy didn't join the Ellington orch until 5 years after Duke composed "Solitude".

Strays wrote incredible melodies: "Lush Life", "Chelsea Bridge", "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" and of course "Take The A Train".

For soulful blues ballads don't forget Buddy Johnson, one of the few masters of this genre.
"Since I Fell For You" and "I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone" are too marvelous for words to describe.

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:53 am:

Jim G: Oops! I didn't know that. I went by the credits that I saw listed on the back on a Nina Simone LP I got years ago that came out of Europe. Did Strayhorn write "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" "I Want Something To Live For" & "Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me"? If I recall, his name was credited under these songs as well.

Peace!

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 10:26 am:

Anybody mention Felice and Blodleau Bryant yet?

By john c (12.2.233.107) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 11:25 am:

Ray Davies
Tilbrook & Difford
Aimee Mann
Creed & Bell
Brian Wilson
John Fogerty
Goffin & King
Mann & Weil

By Jim G (12.47.224.12) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 11:46 am:

"Something To Live For" was one of his earliest efforts recorded by Duke's band. I THINK the other two numbers were penned by Duke without Strays, but I'll check a book later today and confirm.
"Lush Life" has a great lyric that expresses a world weary view of the world. Hard to believe Strayhorn was in his very early 'twenties when he wrote it.
Whoever attributed "Solitude" to Billy (on a record jacket, no less) should be slapped, or forced to listen to Kenny G (my second cousin twice removed) for a week.

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:25 pm:

I FIND IT FUNNY THAT NONE OF YOU MENTIONED MICHAEL JACKSON,WHO IS[WHEN THE MOOD HITS HIM]ONE OF THE BEST!

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:30 pm:

Jim G, sorry to hear that your family tree is tainted. Now you can only hope for a divorce to restore honor to the family name (LOL).

By skip (209.69.165.10) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:34 pm:

T.Bell L.Creed Gamble & Huff Van Mc Coy B.Eli V. Barrett W.Hart Hugo & Lugi.

By irvmilne (81.152.210.44) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 02:53 pm:

heres another one roger penzabene who cowrote a couple of classics for the temps

By moanman (24.44.218.110) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:00 am:

Any Great Songwriter is also a Poet, thus my list is as follows:

Stevie Wonder (pure poet)
Smokey Robinson (pure love poet)
Prince (prolific poet)
Curtis Mayfield (people's poet)
Skip Scarborough (ditto)
Sting (intellectual poet)
Paul Simon (imagistic poet)
Joni Mitchell (poetess of the highest order)
Rickie Lee Jones (eclectic poetess)
Nas (pure street poet)
Leonard Cohen (imagistic poet)
Gil Scott-Heron (revolutionary poet)
Lauryn Hill (up & coming poetess)
Marvin Gaye (political/love poet)
Billy Joel (contemporary poet)
Rufus Wainwright (alternative lifestyle poet)
Jill Scott (poetess in the making)
Rakim (street poet)
Carole King (pop poetess)
Alanis Morrisette (pop poetess)
Ashford & Simpson (pop/love poets)
Donald Fagin- of Steely Dan (imagistic poet)
Tupac (thug-life poet)
Chuck-D (radical poet)
Holland Dozier Holland (motor-city poets)
James Brown (peoples/rhythm poet)
Donny Hathaway (unappreciated poet)

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:21 am:

Nice analogy Moanman!!

By jimmy mack (62.200.126.2) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 03:44 am:

nobody
mentioned rev AL GREEN.
love & happyness

By TD (68.70.126.15) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:17 am:

I think we should include Phil Spector on this list along with Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons.

TD

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 11:55 am:

TD:
Let's also include Bob Gaudio's collaborators as well - Charles Callelo, Kenny Nolan and Bob Crewe.

Irv:
Thanks for bringing up Roger Penzabene - the co-author of "I Wish It Would Rain" among others.

Here are a few I forgot about that I'll add to my list:

Teddy Randazzo ("Going Out Of My Head", "It's Gonna Take A Miracle")
Jerry Lieber & Michael Stoller
Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart
Maurice White/Verdine White/Phillip Bailey/Larry Dunn/Al McKay of Earth Wind & Fire
Charles Stepney
Minnie Riperton & Richard Rudolph
Burt Bacharach and any of his colllaborators
Carole King (with Gerry Goffin and/or Toni Wine)

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Fury13 (209.69.165.10) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 03:10 pm:

Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman
Kal Mann & Bernie Lowe
Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry
Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield
Otis Blackwell
Teddy Randazzo
Willie Dixon
Ellas McDaniel (Bo Diddley)
Hank Williams, Sr.

By Scratcher (65.238.127.16) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 04:37 pm:

Roger Penzabene was a tragic case. He was so distraught over his woman fooling around he committed suicide before ever receiving a royalty check for the songs he wrote.

By Eli (172.129.3.165) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 04:48 pm:

Of course, we have give credit to the infamous Morris Levy for all of the songs he...ahem ....wrote!! (lol)

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 07:35 pm:

Scratcher:
Teddy Randazzo had the same experience Penzebene went through - his woman was unfaithful, too. Fortunately, he pulled himself together and is still with us today.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Scratcher (65.238.127.192) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 07:37 pm:

Alan Freed was quite the tunesmith too.

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 08:26 pm:

Yeah Scratcher...Sincelely so!!!(lol)

The main thing that upsets me about Allen Freed is him taking credit for coining the term "Rock and Roll".

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 11:59 am:

Hey Sratcher & Bobby:
Didn't Alan Freed help Chuck Berry write "Maybelline"? It took decades for Chuck to get Freed's name off the copyright.

Kevin "No Payola" Goins - KevGo

By Don (68.75.174.183) on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 06:25 pm:

To everyone that commented on this thread you've took the words outta my mouth. Though I think you all forgotten about The Isley Bros. Also the greatest and overlooked songwriters are Josie Jo Armstead, Leon Ware, and Donny Hathaway- all are and we're ahead of their time. Because they've did alot with song structures that other's we're not using sort of speaking when other's we're at their peak in the r&b, soul, and funk catagories.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 06:32 pm:

Don:
I had the honor of meeting Joshie Jo Armstead in Chicago last week. She's in the Windy City studying for her Master's Degree in Fine Arts.

Her songwriting, production & vocal work is legendary to say the least. Joshie can go from bluesy ("Let's Go Get Stoned") to dramatic ("Casanova [Your Playing Days Are Over]"). In person, Joshie is a warm, wonderful, level-headed woman who patiently spent many hours answering as many questions as I could ask. I look forward to seeing her again when I return to Chicago in the fall.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By ~~medusa~~ (68.248.13.99) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 08:04 am:

Michael (I'm BAD) Jackson
Did someone say Sylvia Moy?, she wrote a lot of songs 4 Stevie Wonder...hmmm another Detroit Pershing (HIgh School) Celebrity.

By Don (68.75.189.21) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 04:09 pm:

Hi KevGO. I'am glad to know Ms. Armstead is doing swell. There was a book call 'Chicago Soul' by Robert Pruter, in it there was a nice lengthly interview with her in it speaking about her recording carrer- the highs and lows. The questions I wanted to ask, is she still married to Mr. Collins, does she have any children, does she still recieves her royalities ( rightfully and deservingly so ), and does she still keep in touch with Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. It would mean the world to me if if somehow I could contact her thru an email or maybe you can turn her on to this website, or can she comment on a thread. Because I have so many wonderful and pleasent memories that I'd like to share. By the way my computer is virus free.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 04:37 pm:

Don:
I read Pruter's book extensively - it is a very good read.

Joshie & Mel Collins divorced years later and she moved back to NYC. Mel Collins is deceased.

His daughter Melverina lives in Chicago and is very close to her stepmother Joshie.

Joshie still talks to Nick & Val on occaision. She maintains an apartment here in Manhattan but will be in Chicago for a while.

Joshie is in the process of launching her own website. She is well aware of Soulful Detroit and may visit us when her time allows.

I plan on calling her soon - I will send her your regards and forward your email address to her if you want me to.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 04:48 pm:

Don:
Additional info re: Joshie...

She does have a daughter besides her stepdaughter Melverina.

Joshie still receives royalties for her songwriting & she has her own publishing company (Josteady Music).

She talked about her years in the Ikettes (she sang on their hit "I'm Blue"), her meeting Nick & Val, working for Scepter/Wand as a staff songwriter, relocating to Chicago, writing "Casanova" (which she claims she wrote herself - Mel did not co-write the tune), her work as a session singer in NYC, Chicago & Detroit (Nick & Val used Joshie as a backup singer for their sessions with Diana Ross)and what she's up to today.

I still dig her vocal work on Garland Green's "Jealous Kind Of Fella".

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Don (68.75.189.21) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 05:59 pm:

Thank You So Very Much Kev....www.sistersewsbc@global.com Hey, don't blame me for the name my mom named it, I brought it for her. Now is that being a nice son. Also KevGo, I was kinda in awe when you commented back and I'll admit I was a bit nervous. I also wanted to know, I read in the pass archives that you have you're own record/reissuing company, and I was thinking one soon I'd like to purchase from you. Like I said I was so nervous i forgot to ask the first time. Also can you help me with other ave's reguarding Goldmine Catalogue, though I'am seriously wanting to shop with you first. Since you have my e-mail I can help you out with reguards to your book about.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 06:25 pm:

Smokey! Ooooooooh, baby baby....

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 07:02 pm:

Don:
I work for a reissue label - I don't own it.

I have my own small label - Libra Records. I'm dealing with newer artists with my own company.
I'm also in the process of starting a production concern to produce radio commercials and industrial projects.

Thank you for the inquiry. BTW I spoke with Melverina Collins earlier today - Joshie Armstead is back in Manhattan. As soon as I reach her, I'll pass on your particulars if that is alright with you.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By don (68.75.189.21) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 07:08 pm:

Kev. Ask Ms. Armstead does she still listens to W.V.O.N. (14.50 AM) while she's in town at times. Richard PeGee is kinda like a hero of mine, I think he should remember me? His show starts Kev and Jo at Midnite from 12-5am chicago time. And if you like y'all can log onto BestDusty@aol.com and his show can be broadcasted to the computer, if you are able if you can. Richard always plays 'Stone Cold Lover','Casanova ( Your Playing Days Are Over )', 'Jealous Kind of Fella', and my favorite is Ruby Andrews' which it predates the Funk-era " You Made A Believer" which is one of my favorite premier soul recordings of all time, and it still is. Mr. PeGee is suppose to give a dusties party around the corner from where I live this weekend I'll have to call Richard tomorrow for details 'cause it's hard to talk with DJ Herb Kent "The Cool Gent" (www.coolgent.com). And KevGo and I'll be paying close attention to Northern Soul's broadcast o'vr the net too. I've my fingers crossed and I'm sitting on a pin in a haystack prayin.