Buck Ram
Samuel "Buck" Ram, born on November 12, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, was a prominent American songwriter, music producer, and arranger. He was born to Jewish parents and demonstrated a passion for music from an early age. Although he initially pursued a legal career, passing the bar exam after attending the University of Illinois, Ram ultimately followed his passion for music, moving to New York to immerse himself in the music industry.
Ram studied music arranging with Joseph Schillinger and became friends with Duke Ellington. He was instrumental in Ella Fitzgerald's early career, recognizing her talent and helping her join Chick Webb's band. Ram's work extended to writing and arranging for notable musicians such as Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Glenn Miller.
He is best known for his long association with The Platters, a group he transformed by building their sound around the voice of Tony Williams. Ram wrote and produced many of their hits, including "Only You (And You Alone)," "The Great Pretender," and "Twilight Time." His insistence on relabeling The Platters' records from Mercury's "race music" label helped break down racial barriers in the music industry.
In addition to The Platters, Ram wrote, produced, and arranged for artists like The Penguins, The Coasters, and Ike and Tina Turner. He was one of BMI's top five songwriters in its first 50 years, alongside legends like Paul McCartney and Paul Simon.
Ram's contributions to music were vast, and his influence on rock and roll history is significant. He passed away on January 1, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in the music industry.
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