Jerry Fuller was a singer and songwriter best known for his compositions for other artists, including Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” and “Young Girl” for Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.
- Died: July 18, 2024 (Who else died on July 18?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Sherman Oaks, California of complications from lung cancer at the age of 85.
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Jerry Fuller’s legacy
Fuller began writing and recording songs when he was still in school, making music alongside his brother, Bill. They enjoyed some regional popularity near their hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, but Fuller wanted to chase bigger success, so he relocated to California. There, he scored a minor hit in 1959 with his rockabilly version of “Tennessee Waltz.” Fuller began touring with the Champs, who had an instrumental hit with “Tequila,” and met a young musician named Glen Campbell (1936–2017). He convinced Campbell to move to California to launch his career.
Campbell worked with Fuller to record a demo of the new song Fuller had written, “Travelin’ Man.” He had written it with singer Sam Cooke (1931–1964) in mind, but it landed in the hands of Ricky Nelson (1940–1985), who had a No. 1 hit with his release in 1961. After taking a hiatus from his music career to serve in the U.S. Army, Fuller began working as a producer, adding to his songcrafting work. He discovered bands like the Knickerbockers and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, also working as producer for them. He wrote songs for the Union Gap, including their hits, “Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower,” and “Over You.”
Fuller continued writing and producing music, and his songs were recorded by such artists as Ray Price (1926–2013), Reba McEntire, Gene Vincent (1935–1971), and many others. He also wrote songs for Campbell and produced his 1982 album “Old Home Woman.”
Fuller on writing his first song
“My idol at that time was between Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. So I wrote a tune, and we recorded it, called ‘I Found a New Love.’ And it was almost note for note ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’” — from a 2020 oral history interview for NAMM
Tributes to Jerry Fuller
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
