ToughPigs is saddened to learn that Grammy-winning songwriter Cynthia Weil has passed away at the age of 82. Weil, along with her husband and cowriter Barry Mann, were products of music’s famed Brill Building, and wrote such hits as “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” and “Make Your Own Kind of Music.”
Muppet fans will know the pair best for their work on “Muppet Treasure Island,” where Weil wrote the lyrics to most of the film’s original songs: “Shiver My Timbers,” “Something Better,” “Sailing for Adventure,” “Cabin Fever,” “A Professional Pirate,” and “Love Led Us Here.” You can listen to a few of these offerings in the videos below.
Prior to “Muppet Treasure Island”, a pair of Mann and Weil’s songs were used in other productions. “Here You Come Again,” made famous by Dolly Parton, was performed by Leslie Uggams as she dodged Lew Zealand’s boomerang fish on “The Muppet Show.”
Additionally, “On Broadway,” which was written by Mann and Weil along with Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, can be heard on the 1994 album “Kermit Unpigged,” as sung by Clifford, George Benson, and the Rhythm Rats.
No matter whether it was pirates or flying fish, Weil helped bring big musical moments to life, and we recognize her contributions to Muppet history.
Click here to help us remember Cynthia Weil on the ToughPigs forum!
by Matthew Soberman (matthew@toughpigs.com)
