Claude Demetrius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude Demetrius
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| Born | August 3, 1916 Bath, Maine, United States
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| Died | May 1, 1988 (aged 71) New York City, New York, United States
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| Occupation | Songwriter |
Claude Demetrius (born August 3, 1916 – died May 1, 1988) was an American songwriter. He was famous for writing many popular songs, especially in the rockabilly style. Some of his songs became huge hits for famous singers like Elvis Presley.
Contents
The Life of Claude Demetrius
Early Life and Music
Claude Demetrius was born in a town called Bath, Maine, in the United States. When he was in his early twenties, he moved to New York City. There, he started writing music. He even wrote songs for and with the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong.
In 1945, Demetrius wrote a short musical comedy film called Open the Door, Richard. During the 1940s, he worked closely with another famous musician, Louis Jordan. They wrote songs together, including music for the 1946 film Beware. Louis Jordan was the main star in that movie. Demetrius also co-wrote popular songs like "Ain't That Just Like a Woman (They'll Do It Every Time)" with Jordan's wife, Fleecie Moore.
Writing for Elvis Presley
For about twenty years, Claude Demetrius earned a good living from his music. But in 1956, his career changed a lot. He started writing songs for a company called Gladys Music, Inc.. This company was new and owned the rights to all of Elvis Presley's music.
Working for Gladys Music, Demetrius helped write a song called "I Was The One." This song was the B-side (the flip side) of Elvis Presley's very first single for RCA Records, which was the famous "Heartbreak Hotel."
Hits with Elvis
In 1957, Demetrius wrote "Mean Woman Blues" for Elvis Presley. This song was part of the soundtrack for Elvis's 1957 movie Loving You. It was also released on the record album for the movie. "Mean Woman Blues" was also the B-side of Jerry Lee Lewis's hit song "Great Balls of Fire" in Europe.
Claude Demetrius had a very successful year in 1957. He also co-wrote "Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" with Aaron Schroeder. This song appeared on Elvis's 1957 Elvis' Christmas Album.
"Hard Headed Woman" Success
In 1958, Claude Demetrius had his biggest success. He wrote the song "Hard Headed Woman" all by himself. This song became the first rock and roll single to earn a "gold record" award from the RIAA. A gold record means that a song has sold a lot of copies!
"Hard Headed Woman" was written for Elvis Presley's 1958 movie King Creole. The song was on the movie's album. It was also released as a separate single record and went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard music charts.
Later Recordings
In 1963, the song "Mean Woman Blues" was recorded again. This time, it was sung by the famous singer Roy Orbison. Orbison's version of the song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also included on his 1964 album, More of Roy Orbison's Greatest Hits. Roy Orbison even sang this timeless rock song on a TV special in 1989 called Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night.
Claude Demetrius passed away in 1988 in New York City. He left behind a legacy of many popular songs that are still enjoyed today.
