Jerry Leiber, the songwriter who penned classic rock and roll hits including Elvis Presley's Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, 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 Presley.
Leiber and Stoller infused their songs with influences from their blues and jazz backgrounds.
He died of cardiopulmonary failure in Los Angeles, a spokesman said.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog, sending the song - then a rhythm and blues number - to the top of the charts.
The song would later become an even more successful hit record for Elvis Presley, who reinvented it as a rock and roll classic.
Full Story - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14625642
Leiber earned his reputation alongside co-writer Mike Stoller, penning tunes for The Drifters, The Coasters and Ben E King as well as Presley.
Leiber and Stoller infused their songs with influences from their blues and jazz backgrounds.
He died of cardiopulmonary failure in Los Angeles, a spokesman said.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog, sending the song - then a rhythm and blues number - to the top of the charts.
The song would later become an even more successful hit record for Elvis Presley, who reinvented it as a rock and roll classic.
Full Story - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14625642
