When I was young, I just sat down and started playing Chopsticks at the piano. I got so far and then lost interest. Eventually, I regained it and started writing songs.

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.