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James Dean (songwriter)

1943–2006

United States

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Biography

James Anthony Dean (February 7, 1943 – April 9, 2006) was an American songwriter. He was best known for his work at Motown Records in the 1960s, often in collaboration with William Weatherspoon with whom he co-wrote several hits, including Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". Dean also co-wrote, with John Glover, "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)", a US No. 1 hit for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.

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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-20

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