Mort Shuman (November 12, 1938 – November 2, 1991) was an American singer, pianist and songwriter, best known as co-writer of many 1960s rock and roll hits, including "Viva Las Vegas". He also wrote and sang many songs in French, such as "Le Lac Majeur", "Allo Papa Tango Charlie", "Sha Mi Sha", "Un Eté de Porcelaine", and "Brooklyn by the Sea" which became hits in France. 　　While either on his own, or teamed with songwriting partner Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman has authored some of the most lasting songs in pop music, including "Save the Last Dance For Me" and "Teenager in Love." Born in Brooklyn to Jewish immigrant parents, Shuman studied at the New York Conservatory, but felt rejected and alienated by his peers in Brooklyn. Identifying with the Black Community in Harlem, Shuman's true musical education came within the area's raucous r&b clubs, where he soaked up the sounds of Ruth Brown and others. Shuman started penning lyrics at 18 and found success when his songs such as "Surrender" were recorded by Elvis. In 1958 the songwriter met fellow white r&b devotee Doc Pomus and the two took up residence in a small Greenwich Village flat, forming a successful songwriting partnership.