Kansas City Adopts the Song 'Kansas City' Written by the Legendary Songwriting Team Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller as Their Official Song

Kansas City Adopts the Song 'Kansas City' Written by the Legendary Songwriting Team Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller as Their Official Song

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Song writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who created enduring classics in rhythm and blues, jazz and cabaret, in addition to rock and roll, were invited to Kansas City, Sunday, September 11, 2005, for the dedication ceremonies of the Goin' to Kansas City Plaza at Twelfth Street and Vine. Leiber and Stoller wrote a song in 1952, which honors Kansas City as a place to go to "stand on the corner at 12th Street and Vine." The original title "K.C. Lovin," was later changed to "Kansas City."

The City Council of Kansas City, Missouri formally adopted the song as the official song of Kansas City, on August 25, 2005.

"Kansas City" was first recorded by artist, Little Willie Littlefield in 1952 and was popularized by singer Wilbert Harrison in 1959. The song became recognized nationally, when covered by Little Richard and later The Beatles, throughout the United Kingdom.

In the song, Leiber and Stoller lyric-size about "standing on the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine," in an area that boasted of exciting jazz clubs which featured nationally acclaimed jazz and blues artists. It expressed the exuberance that out-of-towners had about making their way to Kansas City, whether by plane, train or even on foot. The song has been recognized worldwide as the true musical tribute to our great city.

Mike Stoller came to Kansas City for the festivities ... by plane, not train, Sunday, September 11, 2005. They joined Mayor Kay Barnes, The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and The Enshriners to help dedicate the Goin' to Kansas City Plaza, at Twelfth Street and Vine. The Elders Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz Little Big Band performed and the event closed with a jam session by young and old musicians. This event was opened free to the general public.

Kansas City has taken steps to memorialize the song "Kansas City" which pays tribute to a great city for its history of entertainment and culture. Much of Kansas City's storied history can be traced to the entertainment provided by such musical giants as pianist Count Basie, blues singer Joe Turner, jazz stylist Ella Fitzgerald, orchestra leader Jay McShann, Claude 'Fiddler' Williams, songstress Della Reese, comedienne Moms Mabley and many others who performed at club near 12th Street and Vine, in the 1930's through the mid-1950's.

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller have written many of the great songs of the 20th Century including: "Stand By Me," "There Goes My Baby," "Yackety Yak," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Potion #9," "Hound Dog," and many more.

Mr. Leiber and Mr. Stoller were inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1985, the Record Producers' Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In early 1988, the Presley recording of "Hound Dog" was placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The pair was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Founders' Award in 1991. In the year 2000, this songwriting team celebrated their 50th year anniversary and was presented with the Novella Award from the British Academy of Songwriters. They will be honored at the Flanders Film Festival in Belgium October 15.

Source: Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation

CONTACT: Bobbi Marcus, +1-310-889-9200, bobbi@bobbimarcuspr.com, for Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation

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