William Weatherspoon facts for kids
William Henry Weatherspoon (born February 11, 1936 – died July 17, 2005) was an American songwriter and record producer. He was famous for his work with Motown Records in the 1960s. He helped write "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", a big hit song for Jimmy Ruffin. He also wrote many other popular songs.
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About William Weatherspoon
William Weatherspoon was born in Detroit, Michigan. His younger brother was the actor John Witherspoon. William started singing in 1956 with a group called the Tornados. After serving in the US military, he began writing songs and producing music. He worked for a label called Correc-Tone in Detroit.
Working at Motown Records
After Correc-Tone closed, William Weatherspoon joined Motown Records. There, he teamed up with another songwriter named James Dean. Together, they wrote many hit songs. Most of these songs were for newer or less famous artists at Motown.
With James Dean and arranger Paul Riser, Weatherspoon wrote "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". This song became a top 10 hit in the US in 1966. Weatherspoon also helped produce this record.
More Hit Songs
William Weatherspoon had many other songwriting successes at Motown. He wrote Jimmy Ruffin's next hit, "I've Passed This Way Before" (with James Dean). He also wrote Ruffin's UK hits from 1970, including "Farewell Is a Lonely Sound", "I'll Say Forever My Love", and "It's Wonderful (To Be Loved by You)".
He also wrote "I'll Pick a Rose for My Rose" for Marv Johnson. For Edwin Starr, he wrote "I Am the Man for You Baby". Weatherspoon and Dean also helped produce "When You're Young and in Love", a hit song for The Marvelettes.
Later Career and Gospel Music
In 1968, some important people left Motown Records. William Weatherspoon joined them at Invictus Records. There, he started a new songwriting team with Angelo Bond. They wrote several hit songs for Laura Lee, like "Women's Love Rights". They also wrote "I'm Not My Brother's Keeper" for The Flaming Ember.
Around 1980, Weatherspoon returned to Motown. He continued to write songs for groups like The Temptations and High Inergy. In his later years, Weatherspoon focused on writing and producing gospel music. This included albums for Laura Lee.
William Weatherspoon passed away from a heart attack in 2005. He was 69 years old and lived in Lathrup Village, Michigan.
