Disco » Disco People » In Memory Of » John Whitehead

John Whitehead

1948 - May 11, 2004

John Whitehead Legendary writer and producer John Whitehead of "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" fame was shot dead May 11, 2004 as he worked on a car on the streets of Philly. He was 55 years of age and no reason for the apparent shooting is known at this time. If anyone hears further details please post here.

Whitehead wrote many classic songs such as the O'Jays "Backstabbers", Harold Melvin's "Wake Up Everybody", The Intruders "I'll Always Love My Mamma" and many others along with producing for the likes of Gloria Gaynor... A true loss to the music world.

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Posted by: Bernie: DiscoMusic.com



Reader Comments on John Whitehead

 

McFadden and Whitehead also did wonderful writing/production work for the Jacksons, Melba Moore, MFSB and others. Their only album as McFadden and Whitehead sure is hard to find in my area (Northern California).
 
Posted Nov 25, 04 | 7:26 pm by ol'skinflint

THAT IS SUCH AS SHAME A SENSELESS CRIME FOR REASON AT ALL...

I GUESS BACKSTABBERS IS TRUE...

MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS NEST... RIP
 
Posted May 17, 05 | 12:42 pm by Giovannia1

What a tragic loss! God Bless!
 
Posted May 30, 05 | 4:32 pm by jrzdave

John Whitehead was the king of disco message songs, co-writing such super and meaningful tracks as "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, "Prayin'" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead, and "Don't Feel Bad" by McFadden & Whitehead. His contributions to disco and soul music will reverberate forever. Meanwhile, the new John Whitehead "There's No Stoppin' the Music" Foundation is helping kids in Philadelphia explore their musical, artistic, and acting talents.
 
Posted Jul 10, 05 | 6:48 am by discosavvy

You start seeing certain people's names on records long enough, you kinda get the feeling you know them. John Whitehead wrote so many songs with Gene McFadden---great songs, i should add----that i feel like i know him. The lyrical content of the songs only reinforced that feeling. It's a shame that someone had to cut him down that way. Just for writing ''I'll Always Love My Mama'' or ''Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now'', he should have been allowed to live in peace. If only it were that simple...
 
Posted Sep 27, 05 | 9:26 pm by Scott Hudson

John Whitehead was known to be among the best songwriters.

Too many songs to mention, but the Sound of Philadelphia has lost a Classic of a man!

R.I.P.
 
Posted Nov 01, 05 | 3:41 am by Delmar Browne

A true loss to all. May he rest in peace and walk with god..
 
Posted Jan 20, 06 | 12:21 pm by DJ STEVE THE SAGA PEREZ

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY MAMA by John Whitehead, performed by The INTRUDERS on PHILLY INTERNATIONAL RECORDS was one of the FIRST DISCO records. It was an oldie by the time I was a regular deejay. BAD LUCK was another of his songs. That too has been called THE FIRST DISCO record? Then we have the R & B classic that crossed over into DISCO, AIN'T NO STOPPING US NOW! That is also a DISCO CLASSIC. Another talented artist killed on the streets? Why do we take the lives of those that give us so much pleasure? Are we a sane society? John, the shame id that you were in your prime, and had a lot more for us. Make GOD BLESS!
 
Posted Feb 25, 08 | 12:48 pm by vyniljunkie

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