AKA Doc Pomus: Tribute to A Music World Giant

A ‘larger than life figure’ in the music world, Doc Pomus (1925-1991) left an amazing legacy. Jerome Solon Felder (A.K.A. Doc Pomus) started out with every possible disadvantage. Born in 1925, the son of Jewish immigrants, raised in poverty in Brooklyn, he contracted polio at the age of 6 which crippled him for life. He defied all the odds, becoming one of the world’s great lyricists, a blues singer, and in 1992 was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2012 The Blues Hall of Fame. “There Must Be a Better World Somewhere,” the 1981 Grammy-winning single recorded by B.B. King was also a Doc Pomus song. B.B. King felt it spoke to his own experiences and was such a powerful voice from the soul he was reduced to tears singing it.

AKA Doc Pomus is produced by Hechter, Miller and Pomus’ daughter Sharyn Felder. Filmmakers William Hechter and Peter Miller have made a remarkable, uplifting documentary, a tribute to the man known as AKA Doc Pomus which celebrates his extraordinary career. Historical photos, authentic film and video clips are strung together to create a passionate, loving portrait of a man who commands the respect of a hero. The documentary shown at many film festivals has the distinction of being the first doc to win the grand prize at the 2012 Stony Brook Film Festival.

AKA Doc Pomus from Clear Lake Productions on Vimeo.

During the 50’s and 60’s Doc Pomus collaborated with pianist Mort Shuman to produce rock and roll and pop hits including; “This Magic Moment“, “Save the Last Dance for Me“, “Little Sister“, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You” and “A Teenager in Love“. “Lonely Avenue” became a huge hit for Ray Charles in 1956.

Some of Doc Pomus’ best work was written in the 70’s and 80’s including; “There Must Be A Better World“, “There Is Always One More Time“, “That World Outside“, “You Just Keep Holding On“, and “Something Beautiful Dying” which were recorded by Willy DeVille, B.B. King, Irma Thomas, Marianne Faithfull, Charlie Rich, Ruth Brown, Dr. John, James Booker, and Johnny Adams among others.

The movie is filled with vintage interview footage with Doc Pomus and his many admirers and high profile colleagues in the music world. These interviews reveal the remarkable and at times heartbreaking, lonely life he led. At one point the IRS plays a terrible role in reducing him to near-poverty after his first marriage falls apart. To survive this, Doc Pomus was compelled to become a professional gambler. Music would once again prove to be his salvation and fortunately for the world he returned to song writing. He played a significant role in the lives of many musicians becoming a great source of inspiration and support. Bob Dylan, who once came to Pomus for help with writing lyrics, is quoted as saying, “Everything you need to know is in ‘A Teenager in Love’”. Bruce Springsteen has recently made a memorable recording of “Save the Last Dance For Me” and “Viva Las Vegas”, originally sung by Elvis Presley has almost become the anthem of that town. Many of the world’s greatest musicians knew and revered Doc Pomus including Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Doctor John, Ben E King, Lou Reed and Little Jimmy Scott.

Highly Recommended.

You may also enjoy The Life of Riley

@gatpr, @akadocpomus, @cineplexMovies, #film, #akadocpomus #cineplex

Moira Romano / Christopher Chanel