RIP Jerry Leiber

In the modern era of popular music – that is, since rock ‘n’ roll emerged in the mid-1950s - three great song-writing partnerships have stood the test of time. There’s Lennon-McCartney, of course, Bacharach and David – and for me, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Leiber’s death at the age of 78 deprives the world of a terrific, witty lyricist, one who understood the universal appeal of what used to be called ‘race music,’ and saw that it could appeal to audiences of any ethnicity.

Leiber and Stoller will be best remembered for two songs: Hound Dog, originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton and covered (blandly in comparison) by Elvis Presley, in a move that launched his career into the stratosphere; and Stand By Me, a lovely, yearning anthem that they co-composed with its original singer, Ben E. King. Covered by artists as diverse as John Lennon and Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), it’s one of the best-known, most defining pop songs of the last half century.

RIP Jerry Leiber, thank you for the music.

Awe we watched a programe we had sky + a few days ago
and they were both giving interveiws it was very interesting Sad News
Another eh Shame RIP Jerry x