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Who wrote the music for Save the Last Dance for Me?


“Save the Last Dance for Me” is one of the most famous romantic ballads of all time. It has been covered by a wide variety of artists, from The Drifters to Michael Buble. But despite its popularity, many people are not aware of the history behind the song, including who wrote the music. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the origins of “Save the Last Dance for Me” and explore the creative geniuses behind it.

The Story Behind “Save the Last Dance for Me”

“Save the Last Dance for Me” was first recorded in 1960 by The Drifters. The band’s lead vocalist at the time, Ben E. King, provided his signature silky-smooth voice to the track, singing the iconic words:

“You can dance, every dance with the guy who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight / You can smile, every smile for the man who held your hand ‘neath the pale moonlight…”

The song became an instant hit, topping the charts in both the US and the UK. It has remained a beloved classic ever since.

But what many people don’t know is that “Save the Last Dance for Me” was actually written specifically for King’s voice. The masterminds behind the song were two of the most talented songwriters of the era: Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman.

Who Were Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman?

Jerome Solon Felder, known professionally as Doc Pomus, was born in New York City in 1925. Despite being stricken with polio at a young age, Pomus became an accomplished blues singer and songwriter. He wrote hits for Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and many others.

Mort Shuman, born in Brooklyn in 1938, started his career as a member of the vocal group the Linc-Tones. After meeting Pomus, the two began working together and ultimately became one of the most successful songwriting duos of the 1950s and 60s. Some of their most famous songs include “A Teenager in Love,” “This Magic Moment,” and “Little Sister.”

Pomus and Shuman had a close working relationship, with Pomus often writing the lyrics and Shuman composing the melodies. This formula proved to be wildly successful, as they produced over 100 pop and rock hits during their partnership.

Crafting “Save the Last Dance for Me”

Legend has it that Pomus wrote the lyrics to “Save the Last Dance for Me” on his wedding day. Born with polio and confined to a wheelchair, Pomus watched helplessly as his new bride danced with other men at their reception. He penned the words as a plea to his wife, asking her to remember that he may not be able to dance but hoping that she will save the last one for him.

Shuman picked up on the emotional power of Pomus’s lyrics and quickly came up with the melody. With King’s voice specifically in mind, they wrote the song to fit his distinctive style.

The result was a crossover hit that perfectly captured the romantic spirit of the era. King’s smooth vocals combined with the timeless lyrics and a catchy melody to create a masterpiece that has lasted for over 60 years.

The Legacy of “Save the Last Dance for Me”

Since its release, “Save the Last Dance for Me” has been covered by a wide variety of musicians, from country star Dolly Parton to Italian-French singer Dalida. Even postmodern crooner Michael Buble has recorded a version of the song.

But despite all these covers, the original version by The Drifters remains the most beloved and well-known. Its timeless quality speaks to the power of great songwriting and inspired musical collaboration.

Conclusion

“Save the Last Dance for Me” is a song that has stood the test of time. Its creator’s Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman were two of the best songwriters of their era, and they crafted a masterpiece that still resonates with audiences today. From its origins as a wedding-day plea to its enduring legacy as a classic romantic ballad, “Save the Last Dance for Me” is a testament to the enduring power of music.

FAQ

Who was Doc Pomus married to?


Doc Pomus was an American blues singer and songwriter who had a successful career in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s. In his personal life, he was married to an aspiring Broadway actress named Willi Burke. The couple got married in 1957, and their marriage lasted until Pomus’ death in 1991.

Willi Burke was born and raised in Westville, Illinois. She moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting, and it was there that she met Pomus. The two fell in love and got married soon after.

Burke was known for her beauty and her talent as an actress. She appeared in several Broadway productions, including “Redhead” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Despite her success on stage, Burke’s career never reached the same level of acclaim as her husband’s.

Pomus and Burke had two children together, a son named Geoffrey and a daughter named Sharyn. The family lived in New York City, where Pomus continued to write and perform music.

Unfortunately, Pomus’ health began to decline in the late 1980s, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1990. He died the following year at the age of 65.

Despite the ups and downs of their lives together, Pomus and Burke remained committed to each other for over three decades. Their love story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

How many songs did Doc Pomus write?


Doc Pomus (born Jerome Solon Felder) was a prolific songwriter who wrote songs spanning multiple genres and decades. He wrote songs for a wide range of artists, including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Buddy Holly, and Dion and the Belmonts, among many others. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive catalog of over 1,000 songs, making him one of the most successful and influential songwriters of his time.

Some of his most well-known songs include “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Little Sister,” “This Magic Moment,” and “A Teenager in Love.” He also co-wrote many hits with his longtime collaborator Mort Shuman, including “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Sweets for My Sweet,” and “Suspicion.”

Pomus was known for his ability to write catchy, emotionally resonant songs that appealed to a wide audience. He often drew on his own life experiences to write songs with universal themes of love, heartache, and struggle. His songs continue to be popular and have been covered by countless artists across generations.

In addition to his prolific songwriting career, Pomus was also a passionate advocate for musicians’ rights and worked to improve the conditions and pay for songwriters. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 in recognition of his contributions to the music industry. Doc Pomus was a significant figure in the history of American music, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence songwriters to this day.

Who was the blues singer Doc?


Jerome Solon Felder, who was known by his stage name Doc Pomus, was an American blues singer and songwriter. He was born on June 27, 1925, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Doc had a difficult childhood due to his polio, which resulted in him using crutches for the rest of his life. Despite this obstacle, however, he developed a love for music and started writing songs at a young age.

After serving in the Army during World War II, Doc pursued a career in music. In the 1950s, he began performing as a blues singer, drawing inspiration from artists like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Big Joe Turner. He also started writing songs for other musicians and became known for his ability to write lyrics that told poignant stories. One of his most famous songs, “Lonely Avenue,” was recorded by Ray Charles in 1956 and became a hit in both the R&B and pop charts.

In the early 1960s, Doc’s career as a blues singer began to wane, but he continued to be a prolific songwriter. He wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, and many other popular artists of the time. He also wrote the lyrics for some of the biggest hits of the 1960s, including “This Magic Moment” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” both of which were recorded by The Drifters.

Doc Pomus is often remembered as one of the greatest songwriters of his time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even inducted him into its songwriting category in 1992, one year after his death due to lung cancer. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Who sang the song dance with me?


“Dance with Me” is a popular song that was first introduced by the American soft rock band Orleans. The song was released as a hit single in 1975, from the band’s second studio album, Orleans II (1974). It was later included on their third album Let There Be Music (1975).

The band Orleans was formed in 1972 in New York City by lead vocalist and guitarist John Hall, drummer Wells Kelly, and bassist Larry Hoppen. The band is known for its blend of rock, folk, and R&B music, and their signature harmonies that have been compared to the Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

“Dance with Me” begins with a slow, dreamy melody that gradually builds to a lively chorus, with catchy lyrics that invite the listener to dance. The song has become a timeless classic and is often played at weddings and other romantic events.

One of the standout features of “Dance with Me” is the melodica solo played by Larry Hoppen. The melodica is a small keyboard instrument that is blown into like a harmonica, and it provides a unique sound that adds to the song’s overall charm.

“Dance with Me” is a hit song by the American band Orleans, released as a single in 1975 from their album Orleans II. The band’s signature harmonies and the use of the melodica make this song a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by listeners around the world.