In a career that stretched over more than half a century, Aaron Schroeder had a hand in more than 2,000 songs - many of them smash hits.

He died on 1 December, 2009, at the age of 83.

He penned his first hit in the 1940s when his song At a Sidewalk Penny Arcade appeared on Rosemary Clooney 's first record.

He also successfully filled the roles of producer and independent publisher of many pop hits.

Elvis Presley recorded 17 of his songs, including It's Now or Never, Good Luck Charm, Stuck on You and I Got Stung.

Born on 7 September, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, other highlights of his long career include the Bobby Vee hit Rubber Ball , which he penned with Gene Pitney, and Duane Eddy smash Because They’re Young , which he wrote with Wally Gold and Don Costa.

As a producer, he mentored young artists and helped launch the early careers of Randy Newman, Jimi Hendrix , Al Cooper, Barry White and Gene Pitney -- for whom he produced Town Without Pity .

He also teamed Pitney with Burt Bachrach and Hal David to create a string of recordings including 24 Hours From Tulsa.

His songs were recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra , Sammy Davis, Jr ., Nat King Cole, Roy Orbison , Arlo Guthrie and The Beatles.

He also acted as international music representative for Hanna-Barbera, providing music, singers and songs for the popular children's shows The Banana Splits and Scooby Doo Where Are You? - for which he wrote the theme tune.

He was survived by his wife, Abby, and a daughter, Rachel.