Sunday Short Story…Tuesday August 23, 2011, United Airlines en route to Boston*.
Andrea and I had just settled into our seats for the flight. I over heard a conversation between two men accross the aisle just in front of us. They were talking about the passing of legendary songwriter Jerry Leiber. Their “speaks” were definitely industry. “Excuse me” I said. ” I’m just now reading his obituary now in the paper. Did either of you know him?” They said no. “I did, I said. I did a record with him and his partner Mike Stoller many years ago”…
They turned around and looked at me. The guy in front of me kind of scooched around in his seat so he could get a look at me. “I know who you are. You’re Greg Adams. I used to be your lawyer. Well, Tower’s I mean. I helped write your recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1972.” Small world, eh? He and his family and his friend’s family were on their to vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine. Never been there. They say there’s alot of lobstah up there. Oh, Andrea…
At the time of this session with Leiber and Stoller, I was not aware exactly who these two guys were. Can you believe it? I’ll list their “hit list” later on down. Here’s a hint: “Hound Dog” Anyway, the artist they were producing was Elkie Brooks. At this time we were doing about 4-5 sessions a week when we weren’t touring. This was a big project for me. I arranged most of the songs. Both Jerry and Mike were so low key and modest, they didn’t tell me what their resume was. Maybe they assumed that I knew. I guess ignorance was bliss for me. Oh boy…
Anyway, the sessions came off without a hitch and everybody was happy with my writing for the tracks. On to the next project. We practically lived at the Record Plant in Sausilito. It was a great time for me, writing and playing with so many artists. Michelle Zarin, who was the Plant’s manager for many years, always took good care of us. Made sure we were fed and well taken care of. We were bringing alot of business to the studio. We were precious cargo. She later went on, after also managing Record Plant in LA and Val Garay’s Record One, to manage Tower of Power for 20 years plus. We remain very close to this day. We have a saying around here: Andrea manages me and Michelle manages Andrea…
And all these years later, while making Elkie Brooks’ “Live And Learn” I realized that I was working with Rock ‘n Roll royalty. And they wanted me to be their arranger. Wow. I can proudly say that I worked with Leiber and Stoller. Rest in peace, Jerry.
Here is some of their catalog:
“Up on the Roof,” “This Magic Moment” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.”
… Is That All There Is?” for Peggy Lee, “Stand By Me”, “On Broadway”, “Spanish Harlem.”No. 9” “Ruby Baby” “Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots”), the Robins Smokey Joe’s Cafe,”Riot in Cell Block No. 9 “Searchin’,” “Yakety Yak,” “Poison Ivy,” and “Charlie Brown” Just a few, huh? Oh. I forgot one. “Jailhouse Rock”.
See you next week…
Originally Posted on East Bay Soul’s Facebook page.
For more on Greg go to www.gregadamsmusic.com
