Brooklyn song-writing genius Otis Blackwell, 70, who penned some of rock ‘n’ roll’s earliest hits, died Monday of a heart attack in Nashville.
Blackwell wrote “Don’t Be Cruel,” “All Shook Up,” and “Return to Sender” for Elvis Presley; and “Great Balls of Fire” and “Breathless” for Jerry Lee Lewis.
He also penned Peggy Lee’s signature tune, “Fever,” and “Handyman” for James Taylor.
In 1993, artists such as Frank Black, Graham Parker, Dave Edmunds, Kris Kristofferson and the Smithereens recorded a tribute to Blackwell.