Linda Creed facts for kids

Linda Diane Creed (December 6, 1948 – April 10, 1986) was an American songwriter and lyricist. She was also known by her married name, Linda Epstein. Linda teamed up with Thom Bell to create many successful songs. These songs were for "Philadelphia soul" groups in the 1970s. Philadelphia soul is a smooth, orchestral style of R&B music.

Linda Creed's Music Career

Linda Creed was born in Philadelphia in December 1948. She grew up in a Jewish family. Linda was very involved in music at Germantown High School. After finishing school, she decided not to go to college. Instead, she focused all her energy on writing and producing music.

Her career began in 1970. The singer Dusty Springfield recorded Linda's song "Free Girl". In the same year, Linda started working with Thom Bell. He was a writer, producer, and arranger at Philadelphia International Records. This record label was owned by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Their first song together was "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)". It became a Top 40 hit for The Stylistics. This started a long partnership between Linda and Thom. They wrote many of the Stylistics' most famous songs. These include "You Are Everything", "Betcha by Golly, Wow", "Break Up to Make Up", and "You Make Me Feel Brand New".

Linda and Thom also wrote hits for The Spinners. Some of these songs were "Ghetto Child" and "The Rubberband Man". Linda Creed also worked with Phyllis Hyman. One of their notable songs was "Old Friend".

The Greatest Love of All

Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 26 years old. Even with her illness, she kept working. She teamed up with composer Michael Masser. Together, they wrote the lyrics for the song "The Greatest Love of All". This song was the main theme for the 1977 movie The Greatest. This film was about the famous boxer Muhammad Ali.

George Benson first recorded "The Greatest Love of All" in 1977. It became a big hit. Linda wrote the lyrics while she was battling cancer. The words describe how she felt about facing big challenges in life. They talk about being strong, whether you win or lose. The song also speaks about passing that strength to children.

In December 1984, Whitney Houston recorded the song. It was for her first album, released in 1985. Whitney Houston's version reached number one on the music charts in May 1986. Sadly, Linda Creed died of breast cancer on April 10, 1986. She was 37 years old, just weeks before Whitney Houston's song became number one.

Linda Creed's Legacy

The year after Linda passed away, her family and friends created the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Organization. This group helps women in Pennsylvania and nearby areas. In 1992, Linda Creed was honored for her work. She was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This means her contributions to music are remembered and celebrated.

Famous Songs Written by Linda Creed

Here are some of the well-known songs Linda Creed helped write:

• "The Greatest Love of All" – first recorded by George Benson; later by Whitney Houston
• "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)" – first recorded by The Stylistics; also by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
• "You Are Everything" – first recorded by The Stylistics; also by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
• "Betcha by Golly, Wow" – made famous by The Stylistics; also recorded by Phyllis Hyman and Prince
• "People Make the World Go Round" – by The Stylistics, Angela Bofill and Michael Jackson
• "I'm Stone in Love with You" – by The Stylistics
• "Break Up to Make Up" – by The Stylistics, Will Downing
• "Rockin' Roll Baby" – by The Stylistics
• "You Make Me Feel Brand New" – by The Stylistics; later by Roberta Flack
• "Ghetto Child" – by The Spinners
• "I'm Coming Home" – by Johnny Mathis; later by The Spinners
• "Life Is a Song Worth Singing" – by Johnny Mathis; later by Teddy Pendergrass
• "Living a Little, Laughing a Little" – by The Spinners
• "The Rubberband Man" – by The Spinners
• "Old Friend" – by Phyllis Hyman
• "Half Crazy" – by Johnny Gill
• "Hold Me" – by Teddy Pendergrass (duet with Whitney Houston)
• "Love Don't Love Nobody" – by The Spinners; later by Jean Carne
• "Help Me Find a Way (To Say I Love You)" – by Little Anthony & The Imperials
• "If I Love You" – by Little Anthony & The Imperials; later by The Stylistics