Weiss will always be known
for the tremendous success of
“Rhinestone Cowboy”, but he
also had hits with “Bend Me,
Shape Me” (American Breed);
“Hi Ho Silver Lining” (Jeff Beck);
“Help Me Girl” (Eric Burdon &
The Animals); and co-wrote “Mr.
Dream Merchant” (a hit for Jerry
Butler and later for New Birth)
with Jerry Ross. In addition, he
has written songs recorded by
artists like Nat “King” Cole (co-
written with Lockie Edwards,
Jr.), Baby Washington, Chuck
Jackson, Barry Manilow, and The
Shirelles.
Growing up in Newark, his fa-
ther was in the textile business
selling “gray goods” - those that
have not been designed. His
father wanted Larry to follow in
his footsteps, but was supportive
when his son aimed for a career
in music.
“I don’t think he understood the
music I was writing or the songs
I was writing, but he supported
me,” said Weiss. “He paid for my
first demos and that started my
Watch American Breed perform “Bend Me, Shape Me”
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