I always figured it was best if I write my songs, take them to my publisher and just lay back. There used to be so many things going on - getting to the artist, getting to the publishers - you know, politics. I just didn't want to get mixed up in all of that.

The album features 15 Blackwell-penned tracks recorded by the likes of Kris Kristofferson ("All Shook Up") Blondie's Debbie Harry ("Don't Be Cruel") The Smithereens ("Let's Talk About Us") Graham Parker ("Paralyzed") and Ronnie Spector ("Brace Yourself"). Then "Don't Be Cruel" began a highly profitable association with Elvis Presley. Youngsters and adults alike have made the phrase a common part of everyday usage.

His compositions include Little Willie John's "Fever" Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" and "Breathless" Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" "All Shook Up" and "Return to Sender" (with Winfield Scott) and Jimmy Jones' "Handy Man". He should not be confused with another songwriter and producer Robert "Bumps" Blackwell. Otis Blackwell (February 16 1931 – May 6 2002) was an American songwriter singer and pianist whose work significantly influenced rock and roll.