R.I.P. Jerry Leiber
 

Jerry Leiber, who with partner Mike Stoller, was among the most influential of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll songwriters, died yesterday at age 78.

Among his hits:

• Hound Dog
• Stand By Me
• Love Potion Number 9
• There Goes My Baby
• Poison Ivy
• Charlie Brown
• Yakety Yak
• Ruby Baby
• Jailhouse Rock
• On Broadway
• Spanish Harlem
• Dance With Me

Ever since I heard the news this morning, I can't get my favorite song of theirs, Smokey Joe's Cafe, out of my head.

Was saddened to hear of this, along with Nick Simpson's passing.

This one's always haunted me, from the opening bass beat on:

http://youtu.be/hnJKyoY7VlE

and this one:

http://youtu.be/WR2FvrU-NIM

You can see Leiber & Stoller's fingerprints all over Phil Spector's work, IMO. I'd forgotten Smoky Joe's Cafe, MC, thanks for bringing it back to mind.

I think it got a boost (good grief, was it 20 years ago?) from this. I always liked this scene because to me, this is one song that it's impossible to listen to and be still. You just have to move with the rhythm.

Townes in your siggy? MC, you have been elevated to beyond the status of a God. Way beyond.

ETA: where's FHwku?