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
National Academy of Songwriters National Academy of Songwriters The National 'Academy' of Songwriters, originally "Songwriters Resources and Services" was a music industry association which provided a support network for songwriters, and gave out awards in various categories. It was founded by Helen King, who was working as a secretarial/answering service for the American Guild of Authors and Composers. She saw a need to provide an inexpensive copyright service, as well as educational services for aspiring writers in Los Angeles and around the US. After King died, her staff kept the organization going for almost two decades. Key staff members included Gelsa Paladino, Doug Thiele,