Aaron Schroeder
Aaron Harold Schroeder, born on September 7, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prolific American songwriter and music publisher. Educated at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Schroeder became a member of ASCAP in 1948. His early success came with "At a Sidewalk Penny Arcade," which helped launch Rosemary Clooney's solo career. Over his career, Schroeder wrote more than 1,500 songs, with over 500 recorded by various artists.
Schroeder is best known for his work with Elvis Presley, for whom he wrote 17 songs, including five that topped the charts: "A Big Hunk o' Love," "Good Luck Charm," "I Got Stung," "Stuck on You," and "It's Now or Never." The latter, based on the Italian standard "O Sole Mio," became one of Presley's most successful hits, selling 20 million copies. Schroeder's influence extended beyond Presley, contributing to the success of artists like Roy Orbison, Duane Eddy, and Perry Como.
In the early 1960s, Schroeder founded Musicor Records and played a crucial role in the career of Gene Pitney, producing hits like "Town Without Pity." He also collaborated with Hal David and Burt Bacharach to produce several successful records. Schroeder and his wife, Abby Steinberg, supported the careers of artists such as Barry White and Jimi Hendrix through their agency.
Aaron Schroeder passed away on December 2, 2009, in Englewood, New Jersey. His legacy as a songwriter and music industry insider remains significant, particularly for his contributions to the careers of Elvis Presley and other notable musicians of the 20th century.
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