Leiber & Stoller Biopic

about the project and casting

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a highly influential songwriting and producing duo, particularly known for their work in the 1950s and 1960s. They are credited with helping shape the early sound of rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Here’s a detailed overview of their contributions and legacy:

Early Life and Partnership

Jerry Leiber was born on April 25, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Mike Stoller was born on March 13, 1933, in Belle Harbor, New York.
The duo met in Los Angeles in 1950 when they were both 17 years old. They quickly formed a partnership, with Leiber focusing on lyrics and Stoller on music.

Breakthrough and Major Hits
Their first big hit was “Hound Dog,” originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952 and famously covered by Elvis Presley in 1956.
They wrote and produced numerous other hits for Presley, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Loving You,” and “King Creole.”
They were also known for their work with The Coasters, writing hits like “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Searchin’.”
Other notable songs include “Stand by Me” (with Ben E. King), “Kansas City” (recorded by Wilbert Harrison), and “On Broadway” (The Drifters).

Production Work
Leiber and Stoller were among the first to see the potential of the recording studio as an instrument in itself. They pioneered new production techniques and were instrumental in shaping the sound of the recordings they worked on.
They established their own label, Spark Records, in the mid-1950s, which was later sold to Atlantic Records where they became integral to the label’s success.

Influence and Legacy
Their innovative approach to songwriting and production helped bridge the gap between rhythm and blues and mainstream rock and roll.
They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Their songs have been covered by a wide range of artists across different genres, cementing their status as timeless contributors to music history.

Later Years
Even as musical trends changed, Leiber and Stoller continued to write and produce, though none of their later work matched the impact of their earlier hits.
They also worked on musicals, including the 1995 Broadway show “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” which featured many of their hits and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.

Deaths
Jerry Leiber passed away on August 22, 2011.
Mike Stoller is still alive and has continued to be active in the music community.

Legacy
Leiber and Stoller’s contribution to music has been profound, influencing countless musicians and songwriters. Their ability to blend humor, storytelling, and innovative production techniques set a new standard in the music industry, making them one of the most important duos in the history of rock and roll and popular music.