R.I.P.: 70s, 80s Songwriter Michael Masser

Michael Masser

Michael Masser, a songwriter who composed several No. 1 hits in the 1970s and 1980s and who helped launch the career of singer Whitney Houston by writing and producing some of her most popular songs, died July 9 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

He was 74, according to The Washington Post.

His death was first reported by the Desert Sun newspaper of Palm Springs, Calif. He had complications from a stroke suffered three years ago.

A stockbroker before he turned to music, Mr. Masser first found success as a songwriter with “Touch Me in the Morning,” which became a No. 1 hit for Diana Ross in 1973.

He was nominated for an Academy Award in 1976 for Ross’s “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To?),” written with lyricist Gerry Goffin, and he later wrote and produced three No. 1 hits for Houston.


Masser wrote the music while collaborating with several lyricists, including Goffin, Will Jennings and Linda Creed. In his 20 years as a songwriter, he worked with such well-known performers as George Benson, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Gladys Knight, Crystal Gayle and Barbra Streisand.

He was named to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.