Motown songwriter-producer Deke Richards dies Motown songwriter-producer Deke Richards has died at a Bellingham, Wash., hospice at age 68. Peace Health St. Joseph Medical Center spokeswoman Amy Cloud confirms that Richards, whose real name was Dennis Lussier, died Sunday at the Whatcom Hospice House. A statement from Universal Music said Richards had been battling esophageal cancer. Universal Music says that as leader of the Motown songwriting, arranging and producing team known as The Corporation, Richards was involved in writing and producing many Jackson 5 hits. Those songs included the Jackson 5's first three No. 1 hits - "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save." He also co-wrote "Love Child" for Diana Ross & The Supremes, as well Ross' solo "I'm Still Waiting."