Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Songwriter Mike Stoller

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Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Exterior of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Stoller, who wrote and produced some of the most enduring classic songs of the 1950s and ’60s with his partner, the late Jerry Leiber, will make a rare Nashville appearance to discuss his legendary music career. Stoller was born in Queens, New York, in 1933. As a child, he took piano lessons for a few months with the great stride jazz pianist and composer James P. Johnson. In 1949, Stoller’s family relocated to Los Angeles. The songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller formed in 1950, when Stoller began creating melodies and arrangements that dovetailed with Leiber’s lyrics. In 1952, they wrote "Hound Dog" for blues singer Big Mama Thornton, which became an enormous pop, R&B and country hit for Country Music Hall of Fame member Elvis Presley in 1956 and made Leiber and Stoller the hottest songwriting team in rock & roll. They also wrote "Jailhouse Rock," "Loving You," "King Creole," "Treat Me Nice," "(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care" and other hits for Presley. One of the most prolific and creative songwriting teams in popular music, Leiber and Stoller also wrote "Stand by Me" (Ben E. King), "Kansas City" (Wilbert Harrison), "Love Potion #9" (the Clovers), "On Broadway" (the Drifters) and "I’m a Woman" (Peggy Lee). Leiber and Stoller were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. This interview will be accompanied by vintage photos, film and recordings. After the program, Stoller will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.

Included with museum admission; Program ticket required; Free to museum members.