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George David Weiss, 'What a Wonderful World' Songwriter, Dead at 89

Courtesy Sam Teicher Archives / Songwriters Hall of Fame

George David Weiss, a songwriter best known for such pop classics as 'What a Wonderful World,' 'Can't Help Falling in Love' and 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' died Monday, his wife Claire told the New York Times. The 89-year-old passed away from natural causes at his home in Oldwick, N.J.

'Can't Help Falling in Love,' which Weiss worked on with Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, debuted in Elvis Presley's 1961 film 'Blue Hawaii' and sold millions. Weiss worked with Peretti and Creatore again on the Tokens' 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' which was inspired by a South African song that was initially recorded in the 1930s.

Besides pop songs, Weiss is also acclaimed for his jazz and Broadway work, including 'What a Wonderful World, which Louis Armstrong recorded in 1967; 1948's 'Confess,' recorded by Pattie Page; 'Surrender,' recorded by Perry Como in 1946; 'Mr. Wonderful,' the 1956 musical starring Sammy Davis, Jr.; and 1968's 'Maggie Flynn,' starring Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy.

In 1984, Weiss was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. He was also the president of the Songwriters Guild of American from 1982 to 2000, during which time he re-examined copyright issues and even spoke about it before the government.

Born in Manhattan on April 9, 1921, Weiss wanted to play music despite his mother's dreams of her son practicing law. The emotional battle that formed between Weiss and his mother later pushed him to seek medical help.

Weiss played the violin, piano, saxophone and clarinet and graduated from the Julliard School with a degree in music. Soon after graduation, he served as a military bandleader in World War II before delving into a songwriter career. In 1946, Weiss and his collaborators, Bennie Benjamin and Frankie Carle, approached Frank Sinatra about singing their song, 'Oh! What It Seemed to Be.' In 1995, Weiss admitted to the Santa Fe New Mexican that his nerves got to him so badly he couldn't move.

"Before I had finished it Sinatra was on the phone calling the record company and telling them he just heard a great song and wanted to record it," he said. "You can imagine what happened to me -- I froze at the piano. I just kept playing. See, the publisher had told me that no matter what happens, I should keep playing to make sure the tune got into their heads."

"So everyone sat down and discussed horses and women and gossip for a half hour or so, and I'm still playing that song at the piano," Weiss added. "Finally, the publisher comes over to me, lifts me up under the armpits and says, 'Say goodbye to Frank.' I said goodbye and they led me out like a zombie."

Weiss is survived by his third wife, Claire, a sister, three children and eight grandchildren.

Louis Armstrong Performs 'What a Wonderful World'

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CallMeLater

"What A Wonderful World" has to be the most inspirational song of all-time !! Thank you, Mr. Weiss !!

August 25 2010 at 4:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jean Rexford Nedrow

What wonderful songs and beautiful memories his music helped create, especially for those of us who grew up in the 50's-70-s. There should be a film tribute for him and his music. It's so funny how many of the old songs just keep being remade ecven today. Thanks to his partners and his family for giving him the inspiration and time to create such beautiful music.

August 25 2010 at 3:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eugene Weisberger

George wrote "oh what a beautiful world" at a time the world was a lot more beautiful than it is today. I think if George Weiss was to write it today I think he migh say "Oh what a troubled world"

August 25 2010 at 2:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Heather Berniker

I had the great privilege of meeting George David during my ten years at NMPA. He was as gracious and as gorgeous as one could wish from any man. I am so saddened that he, too, has been taken, as was my own husband two years ago. Sometimes, it gets a little hard being almost the only one left.... Heather Berniker

August 25 2010 at 12:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Heather Berniker's comment
ManicD

Heather, did you know the other two writers, Hugo Creatore and Luigi Peretti??

August 25 2010 at 12:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Donna

Such beautiful songs, especially "What A Wonderful World." Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

August 24 2010 at 11:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sahen Cathichian

He was successfully sued for stealing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Wonder what else he stole?

August 24 2010 at 11:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dottie

Beautiful songs that touched your soul, memories, and will be remembered forever thank you. RIP Mr. Weiss, God Bless your Love ones and Friends.

August 24 2010 at 11:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rt300z

'What a Wonderful World' ... I will forever think of an X everytime I hear that song. While we have remained 4ever friends. I have yet to keep a dry eye as I hear that song (especially with Louis A). Though I didn't know you then, I will never forget you now. Thank you George.

August 24 2010 at 9:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
snake plissken

On Aug 27th, it will be 20 years since Stevie Ray Vaughn was killed in a helecopter crash after a show in Alpine Valley Wisconsin. If anyone cares.

August 24 2010 at 9:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to snake plissken's comment
William

...many care... and thank you for remembering. RIP Mr. Weiss and thank you as well.

August 24 2010 at 10:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sally

truly a "wonderful world" because of a talent like george david weiss...

August 24 2010 at 8:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply