Willie Hutch

Soul and Funk Singer-Songwriter

Willie Hutch was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his work in the R&B, soul, and funk genres. Born on December 6, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, Hutch grew up in Dallas, Texas. He began his career as a songwriter with the song "I'll Be There," which became a hit for The Jackson 5. Hutch signed with Motown Records in the early 1970s and released several albums including "Soul Portrait" (1969) and "Season for Love" (1970). He gained wider recognition for his soundtrack work on blaxploitation films such as "The Mack" (1973) and "Foxy Brown" (1974), where he not only composed the scores but also contributed songs that captured the essence of the era. Throughout his career, Willie Hutch wrote songs for other artists as well, including Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. He continued to produce music into the 1980s and beyond until his passing on September 19, 2005. His legacy endures through his contributions to the soul and funk music scenes of the 1970s and beyond.