In The News

Songwriter described as the poet laureate of rock and roll passes away

Songwriter described as the poet laureate of rock and roll passes away

TRIBUTES have been paid to Jerry Leiber, who wrote the lyrics for a string of hits including Hound Dog, Stand By Me and Yakety-Yak, who has died aged 78.

Mr. Leiber wrote the hits in partnership with Mike Stoller. Hound Dog was among the first songs to be penned by the duo. 

It was first recorded in 1953 by Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, but it was Elvis Presley who was to make it a hit.

Leiber-Stoller also wrote Jailhouse Rock which was also a hit for Elvis, and also enjoyed success with a host of other musicians including The Drifters and Ben E. King who had a hit with Stand By Me.

The duo went on to write a total of 15 number one hits, earning them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Many tributes have been paid to Mr. Lieber.

Terry Stewart, who is the President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, described him as “one of the greatest poet laureates” of the music world.

Peter Stoller also paid tribute to his father’s writiing partner.

He said: “Jerry as a lyricist had very few equals and I don’t think any superiors.”

To see Elvis Presley perform Hound Dog click here.

 

View previous In the News items: TV actor Noel Collins passes away, Grieving mother who launched a national campaign passes away, Statistician whose work helped save millions of lives passes away, Inventor of the robot arm George C Devol passes away, Singer and songwriter Gene McDaniels passes away, Funeral takes place of veteran journalist James Kelly, Broadcaster Robert Robinson passes away, Peacemaker Harri Holkeri passes away, Former TV cook and radio executive passes away, Actor Francesco Quinn passes away, World War II secret agent passes away, Film special effects artist Harry Redmond passes away, Civil rights lawyer who battled segregation passes away, Film star and former sportsman Bubba Smith passes away, Actor Richard Pearson passes away, The writer Stan Barstow passes away, Headstone unveiled to first victim of the Titanic, Slight fall recorded in the death rate in Northern Ireland, Songwriter behind some of the Jackson 5 hits passes away, Tributes are paid to the evangelist John Stott, Founder member of rock band America passes away, Film actress Linda Christian passes away, Scientist who supported the use of cryonics passes away, Music world is left stunned by death of Amy Winehouse, Top toy maker passes away, Tributes are paid to the artist Lucian Freud, Remains of former senior Nazi are exhumed, Graphic designer responsible for first record covers passes away, Songwriter Jerry Ragovoy passes away, Actress Googie Withers passes away, Tributes are paid to jazz singer Ottilie Patterson, Veteran Downtown Radio presenter passes away, Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz passes away, Tributes are paid to golf commentator Alex Hay, First cousin of the Queen passes away, Rock guitarist Wurzel Burston passes away, Former US first lady passes away, Popular romantic novelist passes away, Tributes are paid to Canadian actor Gordon Tootoosis, Lasting tribute is unveiled to Yorkshire comedian, Award winning actress Anna Massey passes away, Funeral is held of broadcasting legend, Tributes are paid to Rathlin Island boatman, Funeral of former Alliance Party leader takes place, Computer security pioneer Robert Morris passes away or Former jockey Richard Fox passes away

 

If you have a relative or a friend who has passed away and feel they should be mentioned in our In the News section, then please email us.