Luther Dixon facts for kids

Luther Dixon (born August 7, 1931 – died October 22, 2009) was an American songwriter, record producer, and singer. He wrote and produced many popular songs in the 1950s and 1960s. Famous artists like Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Jackson 5 recorded his songs. Dixon was also key in shaping the sound of the famous girl group, the Shirelles.

Luther Dixon's Early Life and Music Start

Dixon was born in Jacksonville, Florida. When he was young, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. He learned to sing by performing in church.

Joining The Four Buddies

Dixon started his professional music career in 1954. He joined a doo-wop group called the Four Buddies. In this group, Dixon sang baritone and sometimes played guitar. The Four Buddies recorded songs for different record labels.

The group broke up in 1955. However, Dixon continued to write songs with Larry Harrison, another member. Their song "Why Baby Why" became a big hit for Pat Boone in 1957. It reached number 5 on the music charts.

Writing Hits for Famous Artists

Luther Dixon wrote many songs that became popular. In 1957, he co-wrote "Just Born (To Be Your Baby)" for Perry Como. This song reached number 12 on the charts.

In 1958, Dixon worked with Otis Blackwell on "All the Way Home." This song was recorded by Bobby Darin. Dixon also co-wrote "Doncha' Think It's Time" with Clyde Otis. Elvis Presley recorded this song in 1958. It was part of his famous album, 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong.

Dixon and Allyson Khent wrote "16 Candles" in 1958. The Crests recorded it, and it became a number 2 hit. They also wrote "Lovin' Up A Storm" for Jerry Lee Lewis. This song reached number 29 in the UK charts.

Producing Hits with The Shirelles

In 1960, Florence Greenberg from Scepter Records asked Dixon to work with the Shirelles. This was a very important step in his career.

Creating The Shirelles' Signature Sound

The first song Dixon produced for the Shirelles was "Tonight's the Night." He co-wrote it with the group's lead singer, Shirley Owens. The song reached number 39 in 1960.

The Shirelles then had a number 1 hit with "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." This song was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Dixon wrote the B-side of that single, a song called "Boys."

In 1961, the Shirelles' song "Baby It's You" reached number 8. Dixon co-wrote this song under the name "Barney Williams," along with Burt Bacharach and Mack David. Both "Boys" and "Baby It's You" were later recorded by the Beatles on their first album, Please Please Me.

The Shirelles' song "Soldier Boy" was released in 1962. Dixon and Florence Greenberg wrote it. This song was their last to reach number 1 on the charts.

Luther Dixon's Later Career and Legacy

Florence Greenberg started another record company called Wand Records in 1961. Dixon wrote and produced many songs for both Wand and Scepter labels. For example, he co-wrote and produced Chuck Jackson's 1961 hit "I Don't Want to Cry."

Dixon also co-wrote Jimmy Reed's 1961 hit "Big Boss Man." This song is so important that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame listed it as one of the 500 "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."

Starting His Own Record Label

Capitol Records asked Dixon to start his own record label, called Ludix Records. However, Ludix was not very successful.

In 1966, Dixon began producing music for the Platters on Musicor Records. He produced and co-wrote their songs "I Love You 1000 Times" and "With This Ring." These were some of their biggest hits in years.

Lasting Impact in Pop Culture

By the late 1960s, Dixon's style of music became less popular. However, his songs found new life later on. "16 Candles" was used in the 1973 film American Graffiti. It was also featured in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles.

The song "Boys" was included in the 2009 video game The Beatles: Rock Band. Another of Dixon's songs, "Never Let Me Go," was performed in the 2010 film Never Let Me Go.

Luther Dixon was nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame just one week before he passed away. He left a lasting mark on music history.

Personal Life

Luther Dixon was married to soul singer Inez Foxx. They co-wrote the song "I Love You 1000 Times." Dixon passed away in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.