Mike Stoller, who co-wrote such legendary songs as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Charlie Brown” and “Poison Ivy” with songwriting partner Jerry Lieber, has taken another step to ensure his musical legacy lives on.
Stoller and his wife, jazz harpist and pianist Corky Stoller, are celebrating the dedication of the Mike & Corky Stoller Center at Homeboy Art Academy, which is part of Los Angeles’ Homeboy Industries, the gang intervention program started by Father Greg Boyle. The Stollers donated $1 million to help create the site, which houses a recording studio and the Music Heals program and offers hands-on musical opportunities through instruments and equipment donated by Roland Corporation and Fender.
“Art and music have always been at the heart of transformation,” said Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, in a statement. “The Stollers’ extraordinary generosity ensures that our community will continue to discover its own creative power — where hope and healing can flourish.”
“I first became aware of Homeboy some fifteen or so years ago. Corky was already involved — specifically with [Homeboy’s] tattoo removal [program]. I was invited to a morning event where I heard from a trainee about his difficult life in the streets,” Mike Stoller said in a statement. “At one point he mentioned how he had briefly played the trumpet. That’s how Music Heals began. With the help of Walter Zooi and the Young Musicians Foundation and under the supervision of their lead teaching artist Martin Flores, the first classes were held at the art studio of Fabian Debora. Corky and I are pleased to have now provided a permanent home for Music Heals and the Homeboy Art Academy.”
Boyle created what would become Homeboy Industries in 1998. In addition to the arts programs, the organization for former gang members and previously incarcerated individuals has provided job training and other services to more than 7,800 clients.
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