Born in Essex he moved to the USA in 1969 after he met fellow writer Dennis and the pair became in-house writers and producers working under the label Soldier Productions. After legendary R&B harmony group The Four Tops left Motown in 1972 they forged a successful relationship with the group working on hits such as Keeper of the Castle, the million-selling Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got) and Are You Man Enough. They also had huge success working with other artists such as Tavares, Temptations the Grass Roots, the Righteous Brothers, Player, Dusty Springfield and Hall and Oates.

The Four Tops paid moving tribute to the star in a post on their official Instagram page.

Alongside a black and white picture of Brian with the group they penned: The Tops family are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Potter.

"Brian, alongside his musical partner @lambertsongs, wrote and produced several hits for the Four Tops, including Ain’t No Woman Like The One I’ve Got, Are You Man Enough?, Keeper Of The Castle and produced the album of the same name.

"Brian also wrote songs for Dusty Springfield, @smallfacesofficial, Glenn Campbell, @righteousbros, @hallandoatesofficial among many others throughout his illustrious career.

"The Tops family send our heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family and friends. We are so grateful for his contribution to the world of music and to the legacy of the Four Tops."

In 1974 he had huge success after he began working with country music legend Glen Campbell at Capitol Records on a concept album based on the idea of an over-the-hill country musician who is uneasy about his previous fame.

He and Dennis created his massively successful number-one single, Rhinestone Cowboy and there were claims the pair had revived Glen's career with the song, which was nominated for the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

For their efforts Potter and Lambert also received nominations for Producer of the Year at that year's awards.