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This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
Mort Shuman (November 12 1936 - January 2 1991) was an American singer, pianist and songwriter, best known as co-writer of many 1960s rock and roll hits, including "Viva Las Vegas".
Shuman was born in Brooklyn, New York and went to Abraham Lincoln High School and then studied music at the New York Conservatory. He became a fan of R&B music and after he met Doc Pomus the two teamed up to compose for Aldon Music at offices in New York City\'s Brill Building. Their songwriting collaboration saw Pomus write the lyrics and Shuman the melody, although occasionally they worked on both. Their compositions would be recorded by artists such as Dion, Andy Williams, Bobby Darin, Fabian, The Drifters, and Elvis Presley, among others. Their most famous songs include "A Teenager in Love", "Turn Me Loose", "This Magic Moment", "Save The Last Dance For Me", "Little Sister", "Can\'t Get Used to Losing You", "His Latest Flame" and "Viva Las Vegas".
Pomus often drew on life events which inspired his creativity. It was after a break-up with his girlfriend that Pomus, who had been driving in his car, was struck in awe by the sounds of the car horns blaring amidst his thoughts. Arriving at the studio, Pomus attempted to assimilate the sound of the horns and penned an introduction to a piece he initially titled "A Crowded Avenue". Later, the work progressed with Shuman, who helped finalize the draft. A chorus was added and the name of the song was changed to "Can\'t Get Used to Losing You", which became one of the biggest hits for Andy Williams in 1963.
With the advent of the British invasion, they moved to London where they penned songs for a number of British musicians. After the partnership with Doc Pomus ended in 1965, Shuman moved to Paris, France where he wrote songs for the French rocker Johnny Hallyday and embarked on his own recording career. He also found time to write a couple of hits in the UK (including one for The Small Faces written with Kenny Lynch), as well as a musical, Budgie (lyrics by Don Black).
In 1968, Shuman translated the French lyrics of the Belgian composer Jacques Brel, that he would eventually use to write, produce and star in a highly successful off-Broadway production he titled Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.
Shuman was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.
He died (from complications due to a liver operation) at the age of 54.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia
