As attendees gathered for a heartfelt memorial honoring the late Cynthia Weil on Sunday, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and nostalgia. The lush courtyard of the Beverly Hills Hotel resonated with the sounds of the many hit songs she co-wrote, inviting guests to smile and sing along. Weil, a Grammy-winning lyricist known for her remarkable partnership with her husband, Barry Mann, passed away on June 1 at the age of 82. The duo was instrumental in creating timeless classics like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “On Broadway,” and “Walking in the Rain.”
Singer Tony Orlando, serving as the master of ceremonies, encouraged guests to view the cloudy skies not as a reason for mourning but as an opportunity to celebrate Weil’s life and contributions to music. “I want the applause to be loud!” he declared before performing “Bless You,” the 1961 ballad that marked Weil and Mann’s first foray into the top 20. White-coated waiters circulated with Weil’s favorite cocktail, bright green apple martinis, as friends and fellow musicians raised their glasses in tribute.
Weil and Mann: Icons of Songwriting
Weil and Mann are celebrated as one of popular music’s most successful songwriting duos, emerging from the vibrant Brill Building scene in Manhattan. Alongside contemporaries like Carole King and Gerry Goffin, they crafted numerous hits that defined the 1960s and beyond. Their collaboration with producer Phil Spector yielded iconic songs for artists like the Ronettes and the Crystals, and their extensive catalog includes contributions to the music of Lionel Richie and Leo Sayer.
Among their numerous accolades, their crowning achievement, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” stands out as a monumental anthem. Produced by Spector, the song, characterized by its epic orchestration and passionate delivery by the Righteous Brothers, topped the charts in 1965 and became a staple in the music industry, often cited as one of the most-played songs in the 20th century. Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers expressed his gratitude during the memorial, stating, “They wrote us a career!” Meanwhile, Dolly Parton reflected on how Weil and Mann’s writing elevated her own career with the 1977 crossover hit “Here You Come Again.”
Both Weil and Mann were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, affirming their status as musical legends. Their story was also highlighted in the Broadway musical “Beautiful,” which explored the intertwined lives of Weil, Mann, and King. On Sunday, Carole King performed “Somewhere Out There,” a Grammy-winning song that Weil co-wrote for the animated film “An American Tail,” further demonstrating Weil’s far-reaching impact on the music world.
Weil’s daughter, Dr. Jenn Mann, shared poignant memories of her mother, reflecting on her roles as a loving wife, grandmother, and fierce businesswoman. Even in the face of changing musical landscapes post-Beatles, Weil’s songwriting prowess remained evident, producing hits like “Just Once” and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again.” Moreover, her influence extended beyond love songs; she penned one of rock’s early anti-drug anthems, “Kicks,” and addressed social issues with songs like “We’ve Got to Get Out of This Place.”
In a touching video tribute, Paul Stanley of KISS reminisced about his teenage days as an aspiring songwriter, recalling how he often found Weil’s name among the credits of his favorite tracks. “Invariably, songs that I loved, I would see her name on it,” he said, a testament to the indelible mark Weil left on the music industry.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2023-06-11/songwriter-cynthia-weil-who-had-hits-with-husband-barry-mann-honored-at-california-memorial