Jack Hammer (songwriter)

Earl Solomon Burroughs (born Fulton County, Georgia, 16 September 1925), better known by his stage name Jack Hammer, is an American pianist, singer and songwriter. Among his hits written are "Great Balls of Fire".^[1][2]

While living in Belgium, Hammer was discovered by Albert Van Hoogten, founder of Ronnex Records. Hammer wrote many songs during the "Twist" fad of the 1950s and '60s, and released the album Twistin' King through Ronnex in Europe.^[3] One of the singles from the album, "Kissin' Twist", sold especially well in Belgium (reaching number three on the national charts), Germany, France and Sweden. In the UK, the album was called Hammer + Beat = Twist (Oriole PS 40020, 1963). Some of the more successful twist recordings were also recorded in German and/or Spanish. Hammer is also known for trailblazing the "Beatnik" Era, having released a spoken world album entitled "Rebellion" featuring Hammer's own original poems as he speaks them over jazz music. ^{[4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}

Much of Hammer's songwriting work is credited to various aliases including Earl Burrows, Early S. Burrows, George Stone, and T.T. Tyler. ^{[9] [10] [11] [12]}

In 1960, when the lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed pop group the Platters left for a solo group, Jack Hammer joined the pop group and performed, recorded, and wrote songs for the group. ^[13]

Jack Hammer performed in the Broadway production of Bubblin' Brown Sugar from February 20, 1976 – December 31, 1977 ^{[14] [15] [16]}

A BMI search tells us that he has written 250 songs registered with BMI, credited to Jack Hammer, Earl Burroughs and Earl Burrows.

References