(NewsSpace.com) – Some musicians are so proficient that their talents are sought after by many. They may have a stage presence or work behind the scenes, crafting songs and recruiting others to sing for them. One pop music producer and songwriter who had a huge impact in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, has sadly passed away.
Jerry Fuller was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in November 1938. He started singing at a young age, when his mother had him and his brother, Bill, singing a cappella at jamborees and minstrel shows. He was just 11 at the time. He recorded his first song in 1957 and completed his debut album, “Teenage Love,” a year later. While he enjoyed success as a singer in his own right, his real talent lay in creating music. However, he was drafted into the US Army, where he spent two years in upstate New York. He still managed to perform for his fellow troop members and write songs during that time.
After he left the military, Fuller embarked on a full-time musical career. He joined Four Star Music, where he worked for 8 years and wrote 400 songs for singers and groups, including Jerry Wallace, The Blossoms, and The Cascades. Fuller also worked for Columbia Records, where he worked as a staff producer and was tasked with finding new talent. That led him to Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. He went on to become a producer and songwriter, which took his music to new avenues.
One of Fuller’s greatest successes is “Woman, Woman,” which he wrote for Puckett’s pop group. It was their first million-selling hit. He would also go on to write “Lady Willpower,” “Over You,” and “Young Girl,” for the band, all of which skyrocketed to the top of the charts. In fact, they even outsold the Beatles, which was quite a feat during that era.
All in all, during his career, Fuller wrote more than 1,100 songs, which went on to be recorded by hundreds of artists.
Fuller is survived by his wife, Annette, and their two children, Anna and Adam.
Copyright 2024, NewsSpace.com
