Mort Shuman

Mort Shuman
Born	November 12, 1936 Brooklyn, New York City
Died	November 2, 1991(1991-11-02) (aged 54) London, England

Mort Shuman (November 12, 1936 - November 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". He also wrote and sang many songs in French, such as Le Lac Majeur, Allo Papa Tango Charlie, Sha Mi Sha, Un Eté de Porcelaine, Brooklyn by the Sea which became great hits in France.

Life and career

Shuman was born in Brooklyn, New York of Polish Jewish immigrants and went to Abraham Lincoln High School, subsequently studying 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", "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame", "Viva Las Vegas" and "Sweets for my Sweets".

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 rockeur Johnny Hallyday and embarked on his own recording career. One of his hits in the early 70's was "(Il neige sur) Le Lac Majeur". He also found time to write a couple of hits in the UK (including one for The Small Faces,"Sha-La-La-La-Lee" written with Kenny Lynch), as well as a musical, Budgie (lyrics by Don Black).

In 1968, Shuman teamed with Eric Blau and adapted the French lyrics of songs by the Belgian composer Jacques Brel used as the basis of the highly successful off-Broadway production Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. He appeared in both the stage revue and the 1975 film adaptation. This was followed the next year with work on the soundtrack of the film "Sex O'Clock U.S.A.", which features one of the earliest known "out" gay male songs, "You're My Man", written by Mr. Shuman.^[1] He also did many collaborations with French singer Mike Brant.

Shuman was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992. He also worked occasionally as an actor, notably appearing with Jodie Foster in The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane.

He died (from complications due to a liver operation) at the age of 54 on November 2, 1991, leaving his wife, Maria-Pia and their four daughters, Maria-Cella, Barbara, Maria-Pia and Eva-Maria.^[2]

Awards and honors

Mort Shuman was named one of the 2010 recipients of the Ahmet Ertegun Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He joins collaborator Doc Pomus, who was himself inducted in 1992.^[3]

References

• Bloom, Ken. American song. The complete musical theater companion. 1877–1995’’, Vol. 2, 2nd edition, Schirmer Books, 1996.
• Larkin, Colin. The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Third edition, Macmillan, 1998.
• Stambler, Irwin. Encyclopedia of Pop, Rock and Soul, St. Martin's Press, 1974.

1. ^ London Records 12" -L.9, 1976
2. ^ http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/index.php/exhibits/bio/C145
3. ^ "Congratulations to the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees!". http://www.rockhall.com/induction2010/. Retrieved 2009-12-15. 

External links

• Bmi.com website
• Mort Shuman Dies Obituary in The New York Times, November 4, 1991 (retrieved January 22, 2010)

Persondata
Name	Shuman, Mort
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	November 12, 1936
Place of birth	Brooklyn, New York City
Date of death	November 2, 1991
Place of death	London, England