Sorry to be the bearer of so much bad news today! Jerry Leiber, half of the Leiber/Stoller composing partnership, has died. Jerry and Mike wrote some classic songs, including: Hound Dog - Wille Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (popularized later by Elvis) Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley Stand By Me - Ben E. King On Broadway - The Drifters Yakety Yak - The Coasters They wrote many hits for The Coasters and produced songs for a lot of bands, including The Drifters. In fact, they were essentially the first independent record producers, as producers in those days would have had an exclusive contract with a record company, but they were allowed to work elsewhere. These hits they produced include Leader of the Pack and Stuck in the Middle With You. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...at-78-20110822 RIP Jerry. Your songs have played a great part in my life - you won't be forgotten!
