Legendary singer and songwriter Jack Lee, best known for penning Blondie’s 1978 classic “Hanging on the Telephone,” has passed away at age 71. His family and management have confirmed his passing after a three-year battle with colon cancer.
Jack Lee was born in 1952 in Alaska and formed The Nerves in 1974 while living in San Francisco. The band comprised of Lee on vocals and guitar, Peter Case on bass, and Paul Collins on drums. They released a self-titled four-track EP in 1976 before disbanding a year later.
Lee’s most famous song, “Hanging on the Telephone,” was written for The Nerves but became a massive hit for Blondie, appearing on their 1978 album Parallel Lines. He recounted the day he heard of Debbie Harry’s interest in the song in a 2007 interview, remarking that even people who disliked him had to admit that it was a great song.
Lee also wrote songs such as “Come Back and Stay,” which became a hit for Paul Young in 1983, and “You Are My Lover,” which was recorded by Suzi Quatro in 1979. He released two solo albums after the breakup of The Nerves, Jack Lee’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1 in 1981 and a self-titled album in 1985. Alive Records later released a compilation of The Nerves’ debut EP and other early singles, titled One Way Ticket.
Lee will be honored with a plaque in the Rose Garden at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. A memorial celebrating his song catalog, including previously unreleased material, is currently being planned for the Echoplex club in LA’s Echo Park.
Lee is survived by his four children Wallie Autry, Grace Lee, Mary Lee, and Cynthia Jacqueline Lee Cook; six grandchildren; three half siblings; and wife Mieke Sofia Lee. His music will live on forever.
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