Luther Dixon

• Active: '50s, '60s
• Genres: Rhythm & Blues
• Instrument: Producer, Songwriter

Biography

Producer and songwriter Luther Dixon wrote many lasting pop hits that were successes for several late-'50s and early-'60s groups such as the Shirelles. He had already penned successful songs for artists, including the Platters, Perry Como, and the Crests when he was hired by Florence Greenberg in the early '60s to work for her small New Jersey label Scepter Records (originally named Tiara). Dixon was in charge of artist development (while Greenberg focused on promotion), starting with the young vocal group that attended high school with Greenberg's daughter, the newly renamed Shirelles. The group had their first number one hit with Dixon's pop arrangement of Carole King and Gerry Goffin's song "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," (originally released as "Tomorrow" in late 1960). Dixon and Greenberg wrote the Shirelles next number one single, "Soldier Boy." By 1963, Dixon had created many hits for the Scepter label and was approached by Capitol Records with the chance to start his own label. Dixon agreed and founded Ludix Records. During his career, Dixon penned and produced many smash hits, including "Sixteen Candles," "I Don't Want to Cry," "Soul Serenade," "Big Boss Man," "Mama Said," and "Boys," a Shirelles tune covered on the Beatles debut Please Please Me. ~ Joslyn Layne, All Music Guide