Ben Weisman
| Ben Weisman | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 16, 1921 |
| Died | May 20, 2007 (aged 85) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Composer |
| Associated acts | Elvis Presley |
Ben Weisman (November 16, 1921 – May 20, 2007) was an eccentric American composer significant for having written more songs recorded by Elvis Presley (fifty seven) than any other songwriter in history. The "Mad Professor" as Weisman was nicknamed by Elvis, worked with the King from 1956 ("First in Line") to 1971 ("Change of Habit"). Their early association (1957–62) produced many of the most powerful rockers and poignant ballads in Presley's repertoire, including "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do", "Follow That Dream", "Rock-A-Hula Baby", "Crawfish", "As Long As I Have You", "Pocketful of Rainbows" and "Fame And Fortune".
In recent years, covers and remixes of Weisman classics have been worldwide hits once again. "Rubberneckin' (Stop, Look and Listen)'" remixed by Paul Oakenfold was a #1 Dance Chart smash in 20 countries and was featured in the films "The Game Plan" and "Fred Clause." Weisman's "Got A Lot 'O Livin' To Do" is featured in Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" live show and upcoming 3-D motion picture.
Weisman's compositions continue to be re-interpreted with vigor and imagination by such iconic contemporary artists as Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, The Cramps, Nick Cave, Junior Brown, the Yellow Magic Orchestra, k.d. lang, The Pogues, Johnny Thunders and The Blackeyed Susans.
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