Jackson 5 producer Deke Richards dies aged 68

Motown songwriter-producer Deke Richards, who was behind songs including The Jackson 5's first three number one hits, has died aged 68.

Richards, who had oesophageal cancer, died in a Washington state hospice, Universal Music said.

The musician, whose real name was Dennis Lussier, was leader of the Motown songwriting, arranging and producing team The Corporation.

Their hits include The Jackson 5's chart-topping I Want You Back and ABC.

Richards also co-wrote Love Child for Diana Ross and The Supremes, as well as Ross's solo track I'm Still Waiting.

Richards' final work was the mixing of eight unreleased tracks by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas for the band's 50th anniversary box set, which is to be released on 5 April.