Home

Jerome Leiber
Born 25th. April 1933 - Baltimore, Maryland
Died 22nd. August 2011- Los Angeles, California

I can't believe that I've only just heard (26th. August) of the death of Jerry Leiber four days ago. Nothing on any news programme that I've heard or seen. Unbelievable for one of the greatest writers, producers and independent record label owners of all time! He was the lyric writer in the great partnership of Leiber and Stoller and wrote some of the most famous "pop" songs of all time (Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, Stand by me, Is that all there is etc.). He and Mike Stoller produced and wrote for the Coasters (Yakety Yak, Along came Jones, Charlie Brown etc.). These etceteras cover a multitude of other great numbers! In 1962 they went independant and started the Daisy record label. The first issue was "Bossa nova baby" by Tippie & the Clovers, got nowhere but you must have heard the Presley version! Other labels followed (Tiger, Blue Cat and Red Bird). Red Bird was THE most successful independent label of the mid '60s (we're talking the US of course) and it's first release was "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups, number 1. Then, The Shangri-Las ("Leader of the Pack" etc. - again!), The Ad-Libs ("Boy from New York City") and loads more. When we were in New York we were lucky enough to see the show "Smokey Joe's Cafe", on Broadway (listen to B.J. Crosby!), and saw it twice more when it came to the UK. All Leiber & Stoller songs! A Legend in his own lifetime.

Go Now by Bessie Banks (Tiger Label)