Songwriter George David Weiss Dies at 89

Songwriter George David Weiss has died of natural causes, according to a report in The New York Times. He was 89.

Weiss’ Broadway credits include Mr. Wonderful, on which he collaborated with Jerry Bock and Larry Holofcener. He also contributed music and lyrics for First Impressions, and with Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore wrote book, music and lyrics for Maggie Flynn.

Weiss’ collaboration with Peretti and Creatore extended beyond Broadway. Together, they wrote “The Lion Sings Tonight,” which in addition to being a hit for The Tokens was used in the animated film version of The Lion King. The team also wrote one of Elvis Presley’s big hits, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Weiss, with Bob Thiele, also wrote “What a Wonderful World,” which became a hit for Louis Armstrong. Among the other standards from Weiss are “Lullaby of Birdland,” “Surrender”, “Confess,” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

Weiss was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. In addition he served as president of the Songwriters Guild of America from 1982 to 2000.

He is survived by his wife, a sister, three sons, a daughter, and eight grandchildren.