Eddie Curtis facts for kids

Eddie "Memphis" Evans Curtis, Jr. (born July 17, 1927 – died August 22, 1983) was a talented American songwriter from Galveston, Texas. He is best known for helping to write the famous song "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band. This song became a huge hit, reaching number one in the U.S. in 1974 and again in the U.K. in 1990.

Who Was Eddie "Memphis" Curtis?

Eddie Curtis was a gifted songwriter whose music touched many people. He wrote songs that were recorded by some of the biggest names in music. His songs often had catchy tunes and memorable lyrics.

The Story Behind "The Joker"

"The Joker" is one of the most famous songs Eddie Curtis helped create. He worked on it with Steve Miller and Ahmet Ertegun. A special part of "The Joker" came from another song Curtis wrote called "Lovey Dovey". Many artists recorded "Lovey Dovey," starting with the R&B group The Clovers in 1954.

"The Joker"'s Lasting Impact

"The Joker" wasn't just a hit once. Years later, parts of it were used in Shaggy's international number one song "Angel" in 2001. Eddie Curtis also received credit for writing part of "Angel," showing how his music continued to inspire new artists.

Other Popular Songs

Besides "The Joker," Eddie Curtis wrote many other successful songs. He wrote "Wild Cherry," which was a hit for Don Cherry in 1956. He also wrote "You're Gonna Miss Me," a popular song for Connie Francis in 1959.

Songs Recorded by Famous Artists

Many well-known musicians recorded songs written by Eddie Curtis.

• It Should've Been Me: This song was recorded by the legendary Ray Charles in 1953. It also appeared on an album by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen in 1976.
• Hardhead: This tune was first performed by Louis Jordan in 1963. Jordan himself recorded it in 1973. Later, in 1992, Robert Palmer covered it on his album Ridin' High. A French version called "Qu'ça saute" was recorded by Henri Salvador in 1994.

Eddie Curtis's Legacy

Eddie Curtis passed away in New York on August 22, 1983, at the age of 56. His songs continue to be enjoyed by people around the world, showing his lasting impact as a talented songwriter.