Richard Addrisi, the acclaimed songwriter best known for co-writing the enduring hit “Never My Love,” died on October 1 at the age of 84. Born on July 4, 1941, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Addrisi grew up in a theatrical family where his grandparents were performers and his parents were part of the Flying Addrisis, a family acrobatic act.
A songwriting legend leaves behind a legacy of enduring melodies that captured the heart of America.
Addrisi’s entertainment career began alongside his brother Donald, with whom he performed song and dance routines as teenagers. The Addrisi brothers were initially discovered when they were seen by Lenny Bruce in Los Angeles in 1956. The siblings moved to Los Angeles to pursue greater showbiz opportunities, eventually becoming the youngest act to ever perform in Las Vegas during the late 1950s. The brothers once auditioned for the popular Mickey Mouse Club but were rejected.
In 1959, they recorded their first single, “Cherrystone,” which reached No. 62 on the Billboard charts. After modest success as performers, the Addrisi brothers shifted toward songwriting in the early 1960s. They achieved recognition with the spoken word record “Where Does Love Go,” leading to a publishing deal with April Blackwood Music.
Their collaboration produced numerous hits, including television themes for shows like “Nanny and the Professor.” The brothers’ most significant achievement came in 1967 when they penned “Never My Love,” inspired by Don’s engagement to his then-fiancée Jackie. Recorded by The Association, the song reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts and remains one of the most performed songs in history, with over 6 million airplays. Their success with “Never My Love” later opened doors to sync deals for various television and film productions, providing substantial royalties for years.
Throughout the 1970s, the brothers continued performing and recording, achieving success with “Slow Dancin’ Don’t Turn Me On” in 1977. Following Don’s death from pancreatic cancer in 1984, Richard maintained a lower profile in the music industry while continuing his creative pursuits. Their journey exemplifies how aspiring artists can transition between different facets of the music business, from performing to songwriting royalties as a sustainable career path.
Richard’s songwriting legacy extends across genres, with contributions to numerous artists and soundtracks. His work with his brother created a lasting imprint on American pop music, demonstrating how personal stories could be transformed into universally resonant songs that endure for generations.
