Cynthia Weil

As a staff writer for Don Kirshner's Aldon Music, which was located in New York's famed Brill Building, Cynthia Weil co-authored some of the classic hits of the 1960s era, including "On Broadway," "Uptown" and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place." Primarily a lyricist, Weil was aided by husband and partner Barry Mann who supplied much of the music. With her stories of social commentary and lyrical vignettes that pointed out the hypocrisy of America's class system, Weil is acknowledged as one of the groundbreaking writers who took rock lyrics beyond the moon-june tales of lost romance and puppy love. Weil has continued to provide lyrics to accompany Mann's music, and the two have provided hits to Dolly Parton, Mama Cass, James Ingram, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, and many others. In addition to her continuing successful collaboration with Mann, she has served as a supervisor on various album releases, and has co-written other hits including Lionel Richie's "Running With the Night," Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire," Martina McBride's #1 country hit "Wrong Again." In 1987, Mann was inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and was awarded two Grammys, including Best Song for "Somewhere Out There." Her website is at www.mann-weil.com. ~ Steve Kurutz, All Music Guide