Songwriter Jerry Fuller, Who Wrote Hits for Ricky Nelson and Gary Puckett, Dead at Age 85

Jerry Fuller, a prolific songwriter and producer who penned hits for Ricky Nelson, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and others, has passed away at age 85. According to Billboard, Fuller died July 18 from complications of lung cancer at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by his family members and loved ones.

Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuller performed in a singing duo The Fuller Bros with his older brother, Bill. Jerry launched a solo recording career in the late 1950s and moved to Los Angles in 1959. He scored a few minor chart hits in the late ’50s and early ’60s. Also around that time, Fuller toured as a featured singer with The Champs, best known for their hit “Tequila.” During his time with The Champs, Fuller met and befriended Glen Campbell and convinced him to move to L.A.

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Fuller wrote the song “Travelin’ Man” and demoed the track with help from Campbell. He’d penned the tune with Sam Cooke in mind, but Nelson wound up recording it. “Travelin’ Man” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1961. Fuller went on to write many other songs for Nelson, including the Top-10 singles “Young World” and “It’s Up to You.”

Around the early 1960s, Fuller spent two years serving in the army. After he was discharged, he resumed his music career, and began producing artists as well as writing songs. In 1965, he produced “Lies,” a major hit for The Knickerbockers.

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap’s and Al Wilson’s Success with Fuller Songs

In 1967, Fuller was hired as a producer for Columbia Records. While working with the label, he discovered Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and went on to produce and write songs for the band. Fuller composed three of the group’s biggest hits—“Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower,” and “Over You,” which peaked at No. 2, No. 2, and No. 7, respectively, on the Hot 100 in 1968.

In 1972, Johnny Mathis recorded the Fuller-penned tune “Show and Tell.” The following year, soul singer Al Wilson recorded his own version of the tune and it reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 in early 1974.

Success as a Country Songwriter

During the 1970s and 1980s, Fuller enjoyed success writing songs for country artists. Among the singers who had country hits with his tunes were Ray Price, Tom Jones, and Reba McEntire.

In 1982, Fuller produced his friend Campbell’s album Old Home Town, which peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Fuller was nominated multiple times for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, although he wasn’t chosen for the honor.

Gary Puckett’s Tribute to Fuller

Following Fuller’s death, Puckett paid tribute to the lauded songwriter and producer.

“What can I say about a guy who’s vision defined my musical identity and destiny,” Puckett said. “What can ANYONE say about a man who gave SO much to SO many through his talents and efforts in the world of music. Thank you, Jerry! The world was a better place with you in it.”