Brian Potter, the Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer who co-wrote Glen Campbell's enduring hit 'Rhinestone Cowboy,' has died at the age of 87. His songwriting partner Dennis Lambert confirmed the sad news on June 30. No cause of death has been revealed at this time.
Early Life and Move to the US
Born in Essex, England, Potter moved to the United States in 1969 after meeting Dennis Lambert. The pair became in-house writers and producers under the label Soldier Productions. Their partnership quickly flourished, leading to collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.
Success with The Four Tops
After legendary R&B harmony group The Four Tops left Motown in 1972, Potter and Lambert forged a successful relationship with the group. They wrote and produced hits such as 'Keeper of the Castle,' the million-selling 'Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got),' and 'Are You Man Enough.' The Four Tops paid moving tribute to Potter in a post on their official Instagram page.
Alongside a black and white picture of Brian with the group, they wrote: 'The Tops family are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Potter. Brian, alongside his musical partner @lambertsongs, wrote and produced several hits for the Four Tops, including Ain’t No Woman Like The One I’ve Got, Are You Man Enough?, Keeper Of The Castle and produced the album of the same name.'
Other Collaborations
Potter and Lambert also had huge success working with other artists such as Tavares, The Temptations, The Grass Roots, The Righteous Brothers, Player, Dusty Springfield, and Hall and Oates. According to The Four Tops' tribute, 'Brian also wrote songs for Dusty Springfield, @smallfacesofficial, Glenn Campbell, @righteousbros, @hallandoatesofficial among many others throughout his illustrious career.'
The Making of 'Rhinestone Cowboy'
In 1974, Potter began working with country music legend Glen Campbell at Capitol Records on a concept album based on the idea of an over-the-hill country musician uneasy about his past fame. Together with Lambert, he created Campbell's massively successful number-one single, 'Rhinestone Cowboy.' The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and Potter and Lambert also received nominations for Producer of the Year at that year's awards.
The Four Tops concluded their tribute: 'The Tops family send our heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family and friends. We are so grateful for his contribution to the world of music and to the legacy of the Four Tops.'
