Teddy Vann

American band leader, songwriter and producer.

Born May 3, 1934. Died, December 6, 2009 in Brooklyn, NY, USA. Brother of [a=Dave Williams (60)]. Possibly related to [a=Freddie A. Williams], who he frequently collaborated with.

Vann, who referred to himself as a "born again African", had written the 1960s novelty hit 'Loop De Loop' for Johnny Thunder, and would go on to win a Grammy for his song 'The Power of Love/Love Power', a huge hit for Luther Vandross in 1991. He also dabbled with performing, appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand before deciding he preferred life on the other side of the mixing desk. What's notable about his career, which spanned decades, wasn't necessarily his recorded output, but the huge strides he took throughout his life to give young black people a culture they could relate to, and provide an alternative to the eurocentric imagery that dominated in 60s and 70s America.