_via the artist’s website_

Leon Ware, the songwriter, producer and singer who was behind music from Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and more, passed away on Thursday at the age of 77. The news was confirmed to NPR by Ware’s manager.

Ware, a Detroit native, became a renowned songwriter starting with his work at Motown and with numerous Motor City legends, including Gaye, for whom Ware co-wrote and produced all of the 1976 album I Want You. Ware also co-wrote Jackson’s hit “I Wanna Be Where You Are” and Maxwell’s “Sumthin’, Sumthin’” and worked with The Isley Brothers, Tina Turner, the Four Tops, Theophilus London and more.

Ware also performed his own music and has seen his songwriting credits gain new life in samples from artists like Tupac Shakur, A Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube and more.

Listen to Gaye’s “I Want You” below.