Voting Station

Shadow Morton

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Music Producer

The Resume

    (September 3, 1940-February 14, 2013)
    Born in Richmond, Virginia
    Birth name was George Francis Morton
    Wrote and produced the Shangri-Las singles 'Remember (Walking in the Sand),' 'The Leader of the Pack,' 'I Can Never Go Home Anymore' and 'Give Him a Great Big Kiss'
    Produced 'Society's Child' by Janis Ian, 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' by Vanilla Fudge and the album 'Too Much Too Soon' by the New York Dolls

Why he might be annoying:

    He never learned to write music or play an instrument.
    He was nicknamed 'Shadow' by a record company executive for his tendency to disappear for days at a time (usually to a bar).
    He left the music industry because of alcoholism.
    He unsuccessfully sued over what he claimed was unauthorized use of his songs in the film 'Goodfellas.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    While hanging out at the Brill Building with Ellie Greenwich, he was challenged by Ellie's future husband, Jeff Barry, to prove his claim of being a songwriter by bringing in some of his work.
    In response, he dashed off 'Remember (Walking in the Sand)' in less than half an hour, and recorded a demo record of it featuring the Shangri-Las. The result was so impressive he was quickly hired by Jerry Leiber as both a songwriter and producer for his Red Bird Records label.
    Critic Dave Marsh wrote, 'Of all the producer-hustler types who wanted to be Phil Spector, Shadow Morton made the best records.'
    After leaving music, he had a second career as a designer of golf clubs.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 88.89% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 84 Votes: 64.29% Annoying