Johnny Bristol

John William Bristol (February 3, 1939 – March 21, 2004) was an American musician, most famous as a songwriter and record producer for the Motown label in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a native of Morganton, North Carolina, about which he wrote an eponymous song. His composition “Love Me for a Reason” saw global success when covered by the Osmonds including a number one on the UK charts in 1974. The pair recorded two singles in 1959 for Anna Records, a label owned by Gwen Gordy (Berry Gordy’s sister) and Billy Davis and four 45s for Gwen Gordy and Harvey Fuqua’s Tri-Phi label, none of which was a success beyond the Midwestern United States. In the mid-1960s, Motown had absorbed Tri-Phi and Bristol began working with Fuqua as a songwriter and producer. Bristol is the male voice on the Supremes’ version of “Someday We’ll Be Together”, singing response to Diana Ross’ lead vocal. number 2 US R&B chart and number 3 UK), A deal for Ariola/Hansa saw him score with club hits “Love No Longer Has a Hold on Me” and “Take Me Down”. An accompanying album failed to consolidate his status, and it would be eight years before new product by Bristol appeared, with a 12" single “I’m Just a M