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Jerry Leiber, the songwriter behind some of Elvis Presley's most well-loved songs, has died at the age of 78.
Leiber earned his reputation alongside co-writer Mike Stoller, penning tunes for The Drifters, The Coasters and Ben E King as well as Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock for Presley. Together Leiber and Stoller’s songwriting skills helped shape the music of the '50s and '60s.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog - then a rhythm and blues number that topped the charts. It was later recorded by Presley, and became a rock and roll standard.
The pair also wrote Ben E King’s hit Stand By Me, and as a songwriting duo had 15 number one hits and were inducted entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987.
PRS for Music and BASCA presented the prestigious Special International Award to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller at the 2000 Ivor Novello Awards in London, recognising both their extraordinary songwriting skill, and their influence on many British songwriters.
Picture: Jerry Leiber (right) and Mike Stoller accepting their Ivor Novello Award from Sir George Martin. London 2000.
Leiber earned his reputation alongside co-writer Mike Stoller, penning tunes for The Drifters, The Coasters and Ben E King as well as Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock for Presley. Together Leiber and Stoller’s songwriting skills helped shape the music of the '50s and '60s.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog - then a rhythm and blues number that topped the charts. It was later recorded by Presley, and became a rock and roll standard.
The pair also wrote Ben E King’s hit Stand By Me, and as a songwriting duo had 15 number one hits and were inducted entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987.
PRS for Music and BASCA presented the prestigious Special International Award to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller at the 2000 Ivor Novello Awards in London, recognising both their extraordinary songwriting skill, and their influence on many British songwriters.
Picture: Jerry Leiber (right) and Mike Stoller accepting their Ivor Novello Award from Sir George Martin. London 2000.
