Cynthia Weil, Co-Writer of Iconic Songs, Passes Away at 82

Cynthia Weil, an American songwriter known for co-writing classic songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” and “On Broadway”, died at the age of 82.

Weil was born on October 18, 1940, in New York City to Morris Weil, who owned a furniture company, and Dorothy Mendez Weil. She grew up in Manhattan and later studied theatre at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y. She had always dreamed of writing for Broadway and channelled her passion into writing “On Broadway,” a song that conveyed a small-town girl’s hopes and the harsh reality of the entertainment industry.

The song became popular, and the Drifters’ version charted at No. 9 as a single in 1962. Over the years, several artists covered the song, including George Benson, whose rendition became a major hit in 1978.

Weil’s most famous song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” was originally written for the Righteous Brothers and still holds the record for the most played song in the 20th century with over 8 million plays. She and her husband Barry Mann, a fellow songwriter, were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

Weil is survived by her husband and daughter, as well as two granddaughters. Her legacy will live on through her timeless songs and her impact on the music industry.