Ben Weisman

Who was Ben Weisman?

Ben Weisman was an eccentric American composer significant for having written more songs recorded by Elvis Presley than any other songwriter in history. The "Mad Professor" as Weisman was nicknamed by Elvis, worked with the King from 1956 to 1971. Their early association produced many of the most powerful rockers and poignant ballads in Presley's repertoire, including "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do", "Follow That Dream", "Rock-A-Hula Baby", "Crawfish", "As Long As I Have You", "Pocketful of Rainbows" and "Fame And Fortune".

In recent years, covers and remixes of Weisman classics have been worldwide hits once again. "Rubberneckin''" remixed by Paul Oakenfold was a #1 Dance Chart smash in 20 countries and was featured in the films "The Game Plan" and "Fred Clause." Weisman's "Got A Lot 'O Livin' To Do" is featured in Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" live show and upcoming 3-D motion picture.

Weisman's compositions continue to be re-interpreted with vigor and imagination by such iconic contemporary artists as Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, The Cramps, Nick Cave, Junior Brown, the Yellow Magic Orchestra, k.d. lang, The Pogues, Johnny Thunders and The Blackeyed Susans.