Jerry Fuller

Jerrell Lee Fuller (November 19, 1938 – July 18, 2024) was an American songwriter, singer, and record producer, best known for writing several hit songs in the 1960s. Fuller toured as a featured singer with The Champs before leaving to serve in the Army. Fuller's version of "Tennessee Waltz" made No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned him an invitation to appear on American Bandstand. Fuller wrote for Ricky Nelson, who had top hits with "Travelin' Man", "A Wonder Like You", "Young World", and "It's Up to You". From 1967-1971, Fuller worked as a music producer at Columbia Records and, in 1970, he started his own Moonchild production company.

Early life and career Jerrell Lee Fuller was born in Fort Worth, Texas on November 19, 1938, to a musical family. He and his brother Bill performed as a duo in their home state, recording for the local Lin label, before Jerry branched out on his own and began writing his own material. In 1959, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and secured a performing contract with Challenge Records.

Career

Singer/songwriter His rockabilly version of "Tennessee Waltz" made No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned him an invitation to appear on American Bandstand.

In 1961, he wrote "Travelin' Man" which was originally intended for Sam Cooke. Ricky Nelson recorded it instead and the record sold six million copies worldwide. Fuller wrote 11 of Nelson's recordings, including the US Top 10 hits "A Wonder Like You", "Young World", and "It's Up to You".

Fuller toured as a featured singer with The Champs, whose other members included Glen Campbell, Jimmy Seals, and Dash Crofts, before a period in the U.S. Army. He remained with Columbia until 1971.

"Betty My Angel"

"Tennessee Waltz"

"Guilty of Loving You"

"Shy Away"

1973 "Lazy Susan"

"Salt on the Wound"

"Lines"