Monday, November 13, 2017

R. Dean Taylor - Voice Your Choice

R. Dean Taylor, born Richard Dean Taylor in Toronto, Ontario on May 11, 1939. His first single success was when he recorded At The High School Dance for Amy-Mala Records in 1962. His next single I'll Remember was recorded for the Quality Records label, Barry. It was a moderate success, hitting the Top 30 in 1963. With two "hits" under his belt, he decided to move to Detroit, Michigan, to further his career. He was signed to Motown in 1964 as both a songwriter and recording artist.

Some of his songwriting successes include Turn To Stone, recorded by The Four Tops, and All I Need by The Temptations. He went on to become part of the production and songwriting team known as The Clan and he co-wrote and co-produced Love Child and the follow-up I'm Living In Shame, both hits for The Supremes.

It wasn't until 1970 when he was assigned to the new Motown Records  subsidiary label, Rare Earth, that he hit his stride as an artist.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights two of R. Dean Taylor's hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Indiana Wants Me or Gotta See Jane. I'll play the winner on next week's show.