Songwriter Michael Masser 1941-2015

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Songwriters Hall of Fame member Michael Masser, whose talent for composing helped catapult Whitney Houston and Diana Ross into super stardom, died at the age of 74 Thursday morning in his Rancho Mirage home.

Masser, whose words and notes found themselves in the mouths of some of the greatest names in music through songs such as "The Greatest Love of All" and "The Last Time I Saw Him," suffered a major stroke more than three years ago. Friends say he never fully recovered.

Masser was born in Chicago in 1941.

He initially made his living as a successful stockbroker, but seeking a change of pace he opted to give that up in order to pursue a law degree.


Enrolled at the University of Illinois School of Law, he eventually left law school and discovered the music industry.

"He was an extraordinary person," pop singer and friend Peggy Cravens said. "He just had this passion that was milling around in his head and decided to give it all up for music."

Soon, he was working with larger-than-life stars — Ross, Houston, Peabo Bryson and Barbra Streisand — creating hit after hit.

In 1973, Masser first came to fame with the No. 1 hit "Touch Me In The Morning," which he wrote and produced for Ross.

Three years later, Masser was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)," which he wrote with Gerry Goffin.

His contributions, which helped shape the soulful sounds of the '70s and '80s, were recognized by Motown Records in 1981 when it honored Masser on Ross' album "To Love Again."

"To this day, the template Ross forged with Michael Masser has remained unique, and influential to new generations of balladeers," it said. "But more importantly, the music itself has lost none of its honesty, warmth and romance."

After moving to the desert, Masser was awarded a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 2002 for his work in music and hand in local philanthropy. In 2007, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Music producer and executive Clive Davis, who worked with Masser closely throughout his career, mourned not only the loss of a close friend and colleague Thursday, but also a gift to the world of music.

"Michael Masser's wonder melodies are memorable and hypnotic," Davis said in a statement. "He is and was truly an all-time great composer. If it weren't for 'The Greatest Love of All,' 'Saving All My Love For You,' 'All At Once' and 'Didn't We Almost Have It All,' Whitney's career would not have blazed as brightly or uniquely.

"Personally, I lost a great friend whom I will forever miss," he added.

Masser is survived by his wife, sister Rhoda Lev of Chicago, daughters Jennifer Convery of New York City and Aleksandra Rouschkolb of Tuscon, son Sean Masser of Los Angeles and grandchildren Joshua and Ryan Masser.

Funeral services are pending, Masser's family said, but it is sure to be attended by those wishing to pay tribute to the man who created the songs that resonated so much with their listeners.

"It was so sad he had a stroke so early on in life," Cravens lamented. "But even in his short career he was able to make some of the most extraordinary music."

[Zoneboy]