Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller hit for The Drifters in 1959, which introduced the use of strings for saxophone-like riffs, tympani for the Brazilian "baion" rhythm they incorporated, and lavish production values into the established black R&B sound, laying the groundwork for the soul music that would follow. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller Lyricist Jerome Leiber (April 25, 1933 – August 22, 2011) and composer Michael Stoller; (born March 13, 1933) were American songwriting and record producing partners. They found success as the writers of such crossover hit songs as "Hound Dog" (1952) and "Kansas City" (1952). Later in the 1950s, particularly through their work
Songwriters Hall of Fame honor of the SHOF Chairman for his longtime support of young songwriters. Award recipients are gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. The Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award is specifically tailored for artists or "star makers" in the music industry who have been responsible for a substantial number of hit songs for an extended period of time, and who recognize the importance of songs and their writers. The Johnny Mercer Award is the highest honor bestowed by the event. It goes to writers already