Jerry Lieber, who wrote a string of Elvis's classic songs and continued to produce hits for a range of artists over the proceeding years, has died aged 78. He first found fame with a reworking of the rhythm and blues single by Willie Mae 'Big Mamma' Thornton Hound Dog, which Elvis Presley took to Number One in 1956, followed a year later by Jailhouse Rock. With his writing partner Mike Stoller he wrote for a multitude of musicians including Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones and James Brown.

The Fifties' music explosion, fuelled largely, by Jerry's writing is captured beautifully through the lens of Lew Allen, who photographed Elvis and many others.  His photographs of some of the greatest names in rock 'n' roll are exclusively available in the signed book ELVIS & THE BIRTH OF ROCK. This blue-suede bound limited edition features Mike McCartney as Guest Editor and is available to order now, click here to read more...