Doc Pomus

Doc Pomus (January 27, 1925 - March 14, 1991) was an American blues singer and songwriter, active throughout the 20th century.

Related Topics:
January 27 - 1925 - March 14 - 1991 - American - Blues - Songwriter - 20th century

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Born Jerome Solon Felder in Brooklyn, New York, he became a fan of the blues after hearing Big Joe Turner on record. Stricken with polio as a boy, he was forced to get around on crutches. His deteriorating condition, exacerbated by an accident, eventually left Jerome Felder confined to a wheelchair. He died in 1991 from cancer.

Related Topics:
Brooklyn, New York - Big Joe Turner - Polio - Cancer

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Using the stage name "Doc Pomus," he began performing as a teenager, becoming one of the most successful white blues singers of his time. In the 1950s, Pomus started songwriting in order to make enough money to support a wife. By 1957 he had given up performing to devote himself full time to a collaboration with pianist Mort Shuman to write for Aldon Music at offices in New York City's Brill Building. Their songwriting efforts saw Pomus write the lyrics and Shuman the music although occasionally they worked on both. Their compositions would be major hits for artists such as Dion, Bobby Darin, Fabian, The Drifters and Elvis Presley, among others.

Related Topics:
Stage name - White - 1950s - Mort Shuman - Aldon Music - New York City's - Brill Building - Dion - Bobby Darin - Fabian - The Drifters - Elvis Presley

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Together with Shuman and individually, Doc Pomus was a key figure in the development of popular music. He was elected to Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
Popular music - Songwriters Hall of Fame - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Doc Pomus was one of the two friends whose illness and death inspired Lou Reed to write his 1992 album Magic and Loss (the other person being Rotten Rita).

Related Topics:
Friend - Illness - Death - Lou Reed - 1992 - Album - Magic and Loss - Rotten Rita

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