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Remembering Memphis Songwriter and Producer Stan Kesler

Respected songwriter and producer, Stan Kesler, who was a key figure in the birth of birth of rock ‘n’ roll, sadly passed away in October last year at the age of 92. The Memphis musician heightened the successes of a range of rock and soul artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. A talented all-rounder, Kesler was known for his essential contributions to dozens of recordings, such as playing bass on Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire”, producing Sam The Sham’s “Wooly Bully” and engineering songs at Goldwax record label.

Kassner Music is proud to represent several one-stop tracks written by Kesler and performed by soul and country singer Bobby Wood. The track “I Still Hurt Just the Same” was the first song from this partnership to be released on Joy records in mid-June 1963, receiving positive reviews and leading to Cashbox magazine proclaiming Bobby as “a talent to be reckoned with”. The single that followed, “Do Darlin’ (Do Remember Me)”, was playlisted straight away by radio stations across America from Phoenix to Alabama and New Jersey. Kesler was both Wood’s life-long producer and mentor, and together they collaborated on numerous projects.

“If I’m A Fool for Loving You”, written by Kesler and originally released by Wood, was later recorded by Elvis Presley at Chips Moman’s American Sound Studio in Memphis. The cover version was then included in the compilation album “Let’s Be Friends” in 1970, which helped to revitalise Presley’s career.

To listen to a selection of Stan Kesler songs, access the Spotify playlist featured above. The master rights for the Bobby Wood tracks are owned by Kassner Music group member and independent label, President Records.