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| Mike Stoller and Fellow Shipwreck Survivor Reunite in Memoirs Fifty-three years after surviving the catastrophic Andrea Doria- Stockholm collision on the Atlantic, survivors Mike Stoller and Pierette Simpson release their respective autobiographies. Stoller recently launched Hound Dog in which he relates nearly six decades of celebrated music making. Simpson recites her personal story in her new audio book, Alive on the Andrea Doria, which includes Mike Stoller's personal account of survival on the Atlantic in 1956. Stoller's career ironically embarked immediately after the demise of the luxury Italian liner. As written in both autobiographies, Stoller was returning from a trip to Italy paid for with a royalty check for the hit recording of Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots. Arriving in New York, Stoller was met by his songwriting partner, Jerry Leiber, and the following legendary dialogue ensued: вEURњOh, man, you are okay! Hey, Mike, weвEUR ve got a smash hit!вEUR Stoller responded, вEURњNo kidding?вEURќ вEURњIвEUR m not kiddingвEUR¦Hound Dog, вEURќ Leiber explained. вEURњBig Mama Thornton?вEURќ Stoller asked. вEURњNo, some white kid named Elvis Presley.вEURќ Pierette Simpson was immigrating to America as a nine-year-old. 50 years later, Stoller and Simpson reunited on the Italian Riviera. Consequently, the songwriter's story became a part of Alive on the Andrea Doria. The two first-time authors and friends are now united in memoirs. Simpson's print version of Alive in the Andrea Doria, released in 2006, has reached best-selling and award-winning categories. World film rights have been sold. The historic audio version contains the voices of five other survivors, besides that of Simpson. Hound Dog and Alive in the Andrea Doria are autobiographies of historical value. The first traces the most successful songwriting - publishing - producing partnership in rhythm and blues and rock 'n roll in the world. The latter bequeaths a historical account of the Titanic of the 50s, including both the human and scientific aspects. Both autobiographies document 20th century history. Stoller and Leiber's autobiography, Hound Dog, (Simon & Schuster 2009) is available in print and electronic format. Simpson's Alive on the Andrea Doria (Morgan James Publishing 2008 & 2009) is available in print and audio CD versions. Both authors are available for interviews. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |