Mort Shuman

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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".

[edit] Biography

Shuman was born in Brooklyn, New York and went to James Madison 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 music 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".

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 French rocker Johnny Hallyday and embarked on his own recording career.

In 1968, he translated the French lyrics of 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".

He was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He died 10 days before his 55th birthday.