After being drafted, he became Special Services Music Director for the U.S. Army Air Force, before returning to New York and a career in Tin Pan Alley.

He signed an exclusive contract with the music publishers Hill & Range, and began writing for Presley at the request of company co-owner Jean Aberbach.

Their early association (1957–1962) produced many of the most powerful rockers and poignant ballads in Presley's repertoire, including "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do", "Follow That Dream", "Rock-A-Hula Baby", "Crawfish", "As Long as I Have You", "Pocketful of Rainbows" and "Fame and Fortune".

The end result was a tailor-made production, just for him.... My friendship with Elvis developed during the studio sessions in Hollywood, to which I was always invited to attend.

'"Weisman also co-wrote hit songs for other artists, including "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes", written with Dorothy Wayne and Marilyn Garrett, and recorded by Bobby Vee.