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Songwriter and producer Jerry Fuller, known for writing chart-topping hits such as Travelin’ Man (Ricky Nelson) and Show and Tell (Al Wilson), passed away at 85. Publicist Bobbi Marcus confirmed the unfortunate news with The Hollywood Reporter, adding that he died at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by his family.
Per the publication, the songwriter died due to complications from lung cancer. In a statement made to the Hollywood Reporter, Gary Puckett (Fuller's first discovery as a producer), in a heartfelt message, wrote:
"What can I say about a guy whose vision defined my musical identity and destiny. What can ANYONE say about a man who gave SO much to SO many through his talents and efforts in the world of music. Thank you, Jerry! The world was a better place with you in it."
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Jerry Fuller had a short career as a recording artist before turning to writing and producing
Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Jerry Fuller's parents were singers. He began his career performing as a duo with his brother, Bob. Soon, they split up to focus on their own music, and Jerry began writing. In 1959, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and signed a contract with Challange Records to work as a demo singer.
While the songwriter didn't break ground as a singer, his rockabilly version of Tennessee Waltz peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1961, he wrote Travelin' Man, originally for Sam Cooke, but teen idol Ricky Nelson recorded it. The song was an overnight hit and sold over six million copies worldwide. The track gained Jerry Fuller recognition in the industry as a writer. He would compose several songs for Nelson, including top 10 hits Young World, It’s Up to You, and A Wonder Like You.
Throughout his career, Jerry penned over 1100 songs for O.C. Smith, Ray Charles, Don McLean, The Ventures, The Kingston Trio, Roy Clark, and Cher, among others. Fuller also turned with The Champs in the early 1960s, where he met Glen Campbell.
He convinced the singer-guitarist (Campbell) to move to Los Angeles. Campbell later introduced Jerry Fuller to his wife, Annette Smerigan, and served as the best man at their wedding.
The songwriter was drafted into the army for two years, stationed in New York at Seneca Army Depot. Following his two-year service, he moved to New York, working with 4 Star Records. Around the time, while visiting Albany, Fuller discovered a nightclub house band, Knickerbockers, producing their 1965 banger, Lies.
In 1967, Jerry moved to Columbia Records as a producer. His first and most successful production client was Gary Puckett & the Union Gap (he met them at a bowling alley in San Diego). Their collaboration included charting hits like Young Girl, Over You, and Lady Willpower.
Jerry Fuller also produced songs he did not write including O.C. Smith's cover of Little Green Apples. The musician founded the production companies Moonchild Productions Inc. and Fullness Music Company in 1970. While he was never nominated for a Grammy, several of his songs were.
Jerry Fuller is survived by his wife, Annette Smerigan, and their children, Adam Lee and Anna Nicole.
