Sid Tepper, who wrote songs for Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, has died.
The hitmaker, who penned hundreds of hits during his extensive career, including tracks for the two music icons, died of natural causes at his home in Miami Beach, Florida, on Friday (24.04.15), aged 96.
During his active career between 1945 and 1970, the star wrote more than 300 songs with his pal Roy C. Bennett under the name Tepper and Bennett, including tracks for Cliff Richard, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin.
However, Sid is perhaps most well known for being part of the songwriting team behind the smash hit ‘Puppet on a String’ which was made popular when it was covered by Sandie Shaw in 1967.
The musician was also instrumental in furthering Elvis’ career, writing 43 tracks for his movies – more than any other songwriter or songwriting team – including ‘GI Blues’, ‘Once Is Enough’ and ‘Stay Away’.
In the 1970s, Sid suffered a heart attack which ended his songwriting partnership and spurred him into an early retirement.
However, speaking in 2005, the hitmaker – who is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren – admitted he believed his tracks had "made a mighty contribution" to the star’s success.
He said: "I believe that Elvis’s movies and their songs made a mighty contribution to his career.
"They brought him to the attention of millions of people who otherwise would never have known the greatness of the King."
Sid Tepper dies
