Hit Songwriter-Producer Jerry Fuller (85), Known for ‘Young Girl,’ Dies

Jerry Fuller, a revered songwriter and producer known for iconic hits such as Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man,” Gary Puckett & the Union Gap’s “Young Girl,” and Al Wilson’s “Show and Tell,” has passed away at the age of 85. Fuller died at his home in Sherman Oaks on Thursday night, surrounded by family and loved ones, due to complications from lung cancer.

Fuller, born in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 19, 1938, was raised in a musical family. Both his parents, Clarence and Lola, were singers, which led to Jerry and his brother forming a duo called the Fuller Bros. at a young age. His early music career began soon after graduating high school, recording “I Found a New Love” for Lin Records in 1958.

Fuller’s first taste of significant success came with Ricky Nelson. Nelson recorded around 20 of Fuller’s songs, many of which were featured on the popular TV show “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” The standout track, “Travelin’ Man,” which Fuller initially demoed with Glen Campbell and wrote with Sam Cooke in mind, clinched the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart and reached No. 2 in the UK. Other hits for Nelson included “Young World,” “It’s Up to You,” and “A Wonder Like You.”

Despite his success as a recording artist being modest, with his highest-charting single being a rockabilly cover of “Tennessee Waltz” that reached No. 63 in 1959, Fuller’s real prowess lay in songwriting and production. Over his career, more than 1,000 of his compositions were recorded by various celebrated artists. These included Reba McEntire, Gene Vincent, Cher, Glen Campbell, Ray Price, Don McLean, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Barbara Mandrell, and many others.

In addition to songwriting, Fuller found major success as a producer. He notably produced the Knickerbockers’ hit “Lies,” which topped the UK charts but only reached No. 20 in the US. He also produced Al Wilson’s “Show and Tell,” a major R&B and pop hit. His most consistent production partnership was with Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. Their debut single “Woman, Woman,” propelled by the Wrecking Crew, reached No. 4 on Billboard, followed by “Young Girl,” which Fuller wrote and produced, hitting No. 1. The success streak continued with “Lady Willpower” and “Over You,” both reaching the top 10.

In the 1970s, Fuller diversified his career by forming Moonchild Productions Inc. and Fullness Music Company and working for Columbia, where he signed artists like a young Mac Davis. Fuller also leaned more into country music during this period, working extensively with Ray Price and finding success with early Reba McEntire songs.

One of Fuller’s most notable achievements in the ’70s was Al Wilson’s “Show And Tell,” which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 and was named Cashbox’s Single of the Year for 1973. Though his singing career didn’t reach the heights of his songwriting and production, he did release an album, “It’s My Turn Now,” in 1979. Later in his career, beginning in the late ’90s, he recorded some of his greatest hits in his interpretations, culminating in the release of four volumes of “From the Vault” between 2016 and 2018.

Jerry Fuller is survived by his wife, Annette, and their children, Adam Lee and Anna Nicole.

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