Biography
R. Dean Taylor (Richard Dean Taylor, May 11, 1939 – January 7, 2022) was a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer who became one of the few white artists to find success at Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Taylor began performing at local country showcases at age 12 before moving into rock & roll. He released his first single, 'At the High School Dance,' in 1960 and, after a brief stint in New York, was encouraged to audition for Motown in Detroit, where he was signed as both an artist and songwriter.
Taylor's early years at Motown were spent learning the craft of hit songwriting, often under the guidance of Motown's legendary producers. He became a member of the writing and production team 'The Clan,' co-writing major hits for Diana Ross & the Supremes, including the U.S. No. 1 'Love Child.' As a solo artist, Taylor found international success with 'Indiana Wants Me' in 1970, which became a No. 1 hit on the Cash Box chart in the U.S. and reached the Top 5 in both the U.K. and Canada. His music blended elements of northern soul, pop, and Motown's signature sound, often featuring imaginative arrangements and storytelling lyrics.
Though he never matched the chart-topping success of 'Indiana Wants Me' again, Taylor remained an influential figure, especially in the U.K. northern soul scene with tracks like 'Gotta See Jane' and 'There's a Ghost in My House.' He continued to write and produce for other artists, founded his own label, and left a legacy as one of Motown's most distinctive and underrated talents.
Fun Facts
- Taylor was one of the first white artists to achieve major success at Motown, a label primarily known for Black artists.
- His hit 'Indiana Wants Me' was inspired by the films 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'Bonnie and Clyde.'
- He co-wrote Diana Ross & the Supremes' No. 1 hit 'Love Child' as part of Motown's songwriting team The Clan.
- Taylor founded his own label, Jane Records, in 1973 and built a recording studio at his Los Angeles home.
Associated Acts
- The Clan
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Brian Holland - Motown songwriter and producer; taught Taylor the craft of writing hit songs and structuring music for commercial success. (General songwriting mentorship at Motown) [mid-1960s]
Key Collaborators
- The Clan (Frank Wilson, Pam Sawyer, Deke Richards) - Songwriting and production team at Motown; co-wrote and produced hits for Diana Ross & the Supremes. ('Love Child', 'I'm Livin' In Shame') [1968–1969]
- David Van DePitte - Arranger; collaborated on the arrangement of 'Indiana Wants Me.' ('Indiana Wants Me') [1970]
Artists Influenced
- Northern Soul artists and DJs - Taylor's songs, especially 'There's a Ghost in My House' and 'Gotta See Jane,' became staples of the northern soul movement in the UK, influencing DJs and later artists in the genre. ('There's a Ghost in My House', 'Gotta See Jane') [1970s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Essential Collection | 2001-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- There's A Ghost In My House (The Essential Collection)
- Indiana Wants Me - Commercial Version (The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 10: 1970)
- There's A Ghost In My House (The Shadows Of Love: Jon Savage's Intense Tamla 66-68)
- There's A Ghost In My House (Northern Soul: 20 Original Classics)
- Indiana Wants Me (The Essential Collection)
- Indiana Wants Me
- Gotta See Jane (The Essential Collection)
- There's A Ghost In My House (The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 7: 1967)
- Gotta See Jane - Single Version / Mono (The Shadows Of Love: Jon Savage's Intense Tamla 66-68)
- Let's Go Somewhere (The Essential Collection)
External Links
Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock, #death-by-covid-19
References
Heard on WWOZ
R. DEAN TAYLOR has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | 19:22 | GHOST IN MY HOUSE | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |