Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

Has one leg three inches shorter than the other; would sometimes wake up from a night of partying, with one pant-leg cuff noticeably frayed from walking barefoot.

Life-long friend of James Brown since they were teenagers.

Befriended The Beatles when he toured England in the early 1960s. He and Beatles manager Brian Epstein got along especially well; Epstein persuaded him to lend his personal microphone to another singer when the stage mike failed, and to perform an extra concert.

Jimi Hendrix was a member of one of his touring bands, before Hendrix launched his solo career.

Was one of Paul McCartney`s greatest musical influences.

Is portrayed by Walter Franks in Mr. Rock `n` Roll: The Alan Freed Story (1999) (TV)

He was voted the 8th Greatest Rock `n` Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.

Presided over the 1987 Las Vegas marriage of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore at the Golden Nugget Hotel. Former brat packer Ally Sheedy was a bridesmaid.

He appeared in the music video and sang lead vocals on the song "Voices That Care."

Spouse, Ernestine Campbell (1959 - 1961) (divorced) 1 child