(Daily360.com) Jerry Fuller, a songwriter who authored hit songs for Ricky Nelson and Gary Puckett, has died at the age of 85.
Fuller was known for writing popular songs, including “Travelin’ Man,” a hit performed by Ricky Nelson. Fuller wrote the song with hopes that Sam Cooke would sing the tune, but Cooke’s manager declined to use the song. It was passed on to Ricky Nelson who reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with the song. It was released as a “double A-side” along with “Hello Mary Lou.”
Fuller was also the songwriter behind “Young Girl,” a song that was recorded by Gary Puckett that reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Fuller also wrote “Show and Tell,” a song recorded by Johnny Mathis in 1972 and Al Wilson the following year. Wilson’s version received more commercial success by reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fuller also produced the song “Little Green Apples” that became a hit for three different recording artists.
Puckett issued a statement honoring the life of Fuller following the announcement of his death. Puckett said Fuller helped define his musical identity and sound when they began working together in the 1960s. Puckett said it was difficult to find the words to say to honor a man that has provided so much talent and assistance to people in the music industry.
Fuller also performed as a musician in an a cappella duo with his brother Bill when he was 11 years old in Fort Worth, Texas. Fuller began recording music the year he graduated high school and completed his first album the following year in 1958. He relocated to Los Angeles and began his career as a songwriter after signing a contract with Gene Autry’s record label.
Fuller died in his home on July 18 from complications related to lung cancer. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 1,100 songs that were recorded by several major artists, including Cher, Ray Charles, and Reba McEntire.
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