Doc Pomus (June 27, 1925 - March 14, 1991) was a twentieth century American blues singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lyricist of many rock and roll hits. Pomus was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the category of non-performer in 1992.[1] He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.[2] and the Blues Hall of Fame.[3]
Born Jerome Solon Felder in Brooklyn, New York of Jewish heritage,[4] he became a fan of the blues after hearing Big Joe Turner on record. Pomus had polio as a boy and got around on crutches. Due to post-polio syndrome, exacerbated by an accident, he eventually used a wheelchair. He died in 1991 from lung cancer, at the age of 65.
His brother is New York attorney Raoul Felder.
Using the stage name "Doc Pomus," he began performing as a teenager, becoming a white blues singer. In the 1950s, Pomus started songwriting in order to make enough money to support his wife. By 1957, Pomus had given up performing in order to devote himself full-time to songwriting. He collaborated with pianist Mort Shuman to write for Hill & Range Music Co./Rumbalero Music at its offices in New York City's Brill.