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Doc Pomus
Doc Pomus, born Jerome Felder in Brooklyn, was an influential yet initially obscure songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Diagnosed with polio at the age of six, Pomus faced a challenging life of disability but found solace and purpose in music. Inspired by Big Joe Turner's "Piney Brown Blues," he transformed himself into a blues singer, performing in African-American blues clubs despite being a handicapped, white Jewish man. To keep his musical pursuits a secret from his mother, he adopted the stage name Doc Pomus, a nod to blues singer Doctor Clayton.

Despite recording numerous blues tracks, Pomus encountered obstacles in his early career. His potential hit "Heartlessly" was shelved by a record company due to his age and disability, prompting him to pivot to songwriting. This change led to a prolific career, with Pomus penning hits for stars like Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and The Drifters. His contributions helped shape the early sound of rock 'n' roll.

Pomus's career evolved over the years, transitioning from a Brill Building hit-maker to mentoring younger artists during a period when self-written songs by artists like Bob Dylan and The Beatles became the norm. His life and legacy are celebrated in the documentary A.K.A. Doc Pomus, co-directed by Peter Miller. Pomus passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of determination and reinvention in the face of adversity.

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