Theodore Richard White (March 25, 1931 – October 26, 2020) was an American businessman, songwriter, music manager, and producer from Detroit, Michigan.
As a songwriter, White wrote or co-wrote songs for Franklin, including "I Wonder (Where You Are Tonight)", "Lee Cross", "Dr. Feelgood", and "Think".
[4][2] White was introduced to Franklin by singer Della Reese at the Twenty Grand Club in Detroit.
[6] In 1964, White formed the record label Ston-Roc and produced the single "Talking About the People" / "Don't Ever Leave Me" by Tony & Tyrone.
That year, Franklin recorded "Lee Cross" written by White, but it was released as a single by singer Walter Jackson instead.
[1] White was portrayed by Malcolm Barrett in the third season of the anthology series Genius, and by Marlon Wayans in the 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic Respect.