Holland–Dozier–Holland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Holland-Dozier-Holland
Lamont Dozier in 2009
Background information
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	Motown sound rhythm and blues soul funk
Years active	1962–1973, 2009
Associated acts	The Supremes The Four Tops Michael Jackson
Past members	Brian Holland Lamont Dozier Eddie Holland

Holland–Dozier–Holland was a famous team of songwriters and music producers. The group included Lamont Dozier and two brothers, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. They created many songs that shaped the unique "Motown sound" in the 1960s.

From 1962 to 1967, they worked at Motown Records. Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland wrote the music and produced the songs. Eddie Holland wrote the words (lyrics) and arranged the singing parts. They produced many hit songs for groups like the Four Tops and the Supremes. This included 10 of the Supremes' 12 number one songs in the U.S. Some of these hits were "Baby Love", "Stop! In the Name of Love", and "You Keep Me Hangin' On".

After leaving Motown, they continued to work together until about 1974. From 1969 to 1972, they used the name "Edythe Wayne" for their songs because of a legal problem.

The team was honored for their work. They were added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1990, they joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Story of Holland-Dozier-Holland

The three musicians first joined forces at Motown in the early 1960s. Eddie Holland had worked with Motown's founder, Berry Gordy, even before Motown started. His song "You" in 1958 was one of Gordy's first productions.

Eddie Holland also had a singing career at Motown. His song "Jamie" became a Top 30 hit in the U.S. in 1961. Brian Holland, Eddie's brother, was also a songwriter for Motown. He helped write "Please Mr. Postman" for The Marvelettes, which was a number one hit in 1961.

Lamont Dozier was a singer for several record labels before Motown. These included Anna Records and Motown's own Mel-o-dy label.

The three men eventually decided to work together. They found they enjoyed writing and producing more than performing. Eddie, especially, didn't like performing live. They wrote and produced many songs for Motown artists. This included 25 songs that reached number one on the music charts. Some of these hits were "Heat Wave" for Martha and the Vandellas and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" for Marvin Gaye.

Legal Challenges and New Paths

In 1967, Holland-Dozier-Holland (often called H-D-H) had a disagreement with Berry Gordy Jr. They disagreed about how profits and royalties (money from song sales) should be shared. By early 1968, the trio left Motown.

They started their own record labels, Invictus Records and Hot Wax Records. These labels had some success. Motown then sued H-D-H for breaking their contract. H-D-H sued Motown back. This legal fight lasted for many years in the music business.

Because of their contract with Motown, they couldn't use their own names on new songs. So, they used the name "Wayne-Dunbar" for their new music. The lawsuit was finally settled in 1977.

Lamont Dozier left the Holland–Dozier–Holland production company in 1973. He went back to being a solo artist. Even while the lawsuit was happening, the Holland brothers (with a new person, Harold Beatty) worked on songs for Motown artists. These included The Supremes and Michael Jackson. Lamont Dozier later said that the lawsuit was just a part of business.

In 1989, Holland–Dozier–Holland almost sued the band Aerosmith. A part of Aerosmith's song "The Other Side" sounded like H-D-H's song "Standing in the Shadows of Love". To avoid a lawsuit, Aerosmith agreed to add Holland–Dozier–Holland to the songwriting credits for their album.

Later Years and a Musical Reunion

Lamont Dozier continued to work as a solo artist and producer. The Holland brothers run HDH Records and Productions. This company releases music from their old Invictus and Hot Wax labels, plus new songs.

For a special "one-time only reunion," the three worked together again in 2009. They wrote the music for a stage musical called The First Wives Club. This musical was based on a book and a movie. It included 22 new songs written by the trio. The musical first opened in San Diego in July 2009. It sold many tickets, but the reviews were mixed.

The musical was later reworked and opened in Chicago in 2015. This new version included some of their classic H-D-H songs, like "Stop! In The Name Of Love." The plan was for it to go to Broadway, but it closed after its run in Chicago.

Their Lasting Impact

Holland–Dozier–Holland have received many awards for their songwriting. They won several BMI Pop Awards. In 2003, they were honored as BMI Icons. This award celebrates songwriters who have greatly influenced music.

Their names are also mentioned in songs by other artists. For example, the song "Levi Stubbs' Tears" by Billy Bragg mentions them. They are also in the song "The Death of Ferdinand de Saussure" by The Magnetic Fields.

In 2010, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland were added to the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

Music They Produced

Here are some of the songs Holland-Dozier-Holland produced for various artists.

Songs by Holland Brothers (without Dozier)

Top Ten Hit Songs in the U.S. (Pop Chart)

This table shows some of the songs Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote or produced that reached the top 10 on the U.S. pop music charts.

See also

In Spanish: Holland-Dozier-Holland para niños