SAM DeVINCENT COLLECTION OF ILLUSTRATED AMERICAN
SHEET MUSIC, ca. 1790 - 1987
#300
Series 4: Songwriters, 1847-1975
by: Robert S. Harding & Cooby Greenway, 1994
BIOGRAPHIES
*Information included in this Biographical section was garnered
from the Ephemera section of this collection and/or from the following
musical sources: American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers,
ASCAP Biographical Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: R.R. Bowker Co.,
1980. Ewen, David, American Composers: A Biographical Dictionary,
New York, N.Y.: G.P.Putnam's Sons, 1982. Sir Grove, George, and
Stanley, Sadie, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians,
Washington, D.C., Grove's Dictionary of Music, 1980.
H. Hitchcock, Wiley and Sadie Stanley, New Grove Dictionary of
American Music, New York, N.Y.:
Macmillan Press Ltd., 1986.
4.42 ADAMS, STANLEY (8/14/1907-1/27/1994).
Lyricist. Former President of ASCAP; was a leader in the successful
effort for Congressional
revision of copyright law. Best known song is "What a
Diff'rence a Day Made."
4.43 AGER, MILTON (10/6/1893-5/6/1979).
Composer, publishers, pianist, arranger, vaudeville accompanist, stage
entertainer for silent
movies. First hit was "Everything is Peaches Down in Georgia,"
sung by Al Jolson.
4.44 AHLERT, FRED E. (9/19/1892-10/20/1953).
Composer, publisher. Arranger for Fred Waring. One of first songwriters
to quit Tin Pan
Alley for Hollywood. First hit was "I'll Get By."
4.45 AKST, HARRY (8/15/1894-3/31/1963).
Composer. Professional pianist as a teenager. Met Berlin at Camp Upton,
worked for him as staff
pianist. Hits include: and "Baby Face" and "A Smile Will
Go a Long, Long Way."
4.46 ALLEN, STEVE (12/26/1921- ).
Composer, author, pianist, comedian. Toured with parents in
vaudeville; worked in radio; founder
and first host of NBC-TV's Tonight Show. Composed the theme from PICNIC.
4.47 ARLEN, HAROLD (2/15/1905-4/23/1986).
Composer, author, pianist, vocalist. Played professionally at age 15.
Signed by The Cotton
Club to write with Ted Koehler, producing many hits. Also teamed with
Yip Harburg. Write
"Get Happy," "Stormy Weather," and the score for THE
WIZARD OF OZ.
4.48 ARMSTRONG, HARRY W. (7/22/1879-2/28/1951).
Composer, vocalist, pianist, producer, prize fighter. Hits include
"I Love My Wife, But Oh You Kid" and "Sweet Adeline."
4.49 ASH, PAUL (2/11/1891-7/13/1958).
Composer, author, conductor, pianist. Led his first band in 1910; became
very successful bandleader. Wrote "I'm Knee Deep in Daisies."
4.50 AUSTIN, GENE (6/24/1900-1/24/1971).
Composer, author. Sang in vaudeville, radio, films, and TV. Established
as a recording star with
"My Blue Heaven." Wrote "When My Sugar Walks Down the
Street."
4.1 BACHARACH, BURT F. (5/12/1928- ).
Composer and pianist. Collaborated with lyricist Hal David on a number
of film scores
(e.g., BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID) and popular songs, many of
which
were recorded by Dionne Warwick.
4.51 BALL, ERNEST R. (7/21/1878-5/3/1927).
Composer, pianist. Began as pianist in vaudeville, performing with his
wife Maude Lambert; then worked as a song demonstrator. Successful songs include "Let
the Rest of the World Go By"and "Mother Machree."
4.52 BARGY, ROY (7/31/1894-1/15/1974).
Composer, pianist. Arranger for Paul Whiteman; led several radio show
bands. Edited, played,
arranged, and composed piano rolls; composed rags. From 1943-1963 was
music director for Jimmy Durante.
4.53 BAXTER, PHIL (9/5/1896-11/21/1972).
Composer, pianist, lyricist, vocalist. Bandleader in 20's and 30's.
Wrote "Have a Little Dream on Me" and "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas."
4.54 BAYES, NORA (1880-3/19/1928).
Vocalist, composer, lyricist. Was a top performing star; known as
"The Wurzberger Girl" after her
first hit. The first edition of Cohan's "Over There"
featured Bayes on the cover. Bayes and husband
Jack Norworth wrote "Shine on Harvest Moon."
4.55 BERLE, MILTON (7/12/1908- ).
Comedian, vocalist, lyricist, composer. Began performing in silent
movies at age 5; worked in
vaudeville; was a MC in clubs and theaters. Was the first big TV star.
Wrote "Sam, You Made
the Pants Too Long."
4.2 BERLIN, IRVING (5/11/1888-9/22/1989).
Composer and lyricist. One of the most versatile and popular songwriters
of the 20th century. Wrote songs for some of the most successful Broadway musicals and
Hollywood films. Best songs were sentimental ballads performed in unique ragtime or popular
styles.
4.56 BERNIE, BEN (5/30/1891-10/20/1943).
Bandleader, composer. Was a monologist in vaudeville; played violin
until he formed his own dance
band in early 20's. Known as The Old Maestro. Wrote "Sweet Georgia
Brown."
4.57 BRAHAM, DAVID (1834-4/11/1905).
Composer. Born in London; moved to New York at age 18. Was orchestral
leader and composer
for minstrel shows, Tony Pastor's, Theatre Comique. THE MULLIGAN GUARD
was the first of
many collaborations with Ned Harrigan.
4.58 BREUER, ERNEST (12/6/1886-4/3/1981).
Composer, pianist. Born in Germany, moved to US in youth. Vaudeville
pianist. WWII interpreter and entertainer. Wrote "Does the Spearmint Lose Its Flavor on the
Bedpost Overnight?"
4.59 BROOKS, SHELTON (5/4/1886-9/6/1975).
Composer. Parents American Indian/African American. Pianist in Detroit
cafes; moved to Chicago. Composed rages; worked as a mimic in vaudeville. Wrote "Darktown
Strutters' Ball" and "Some of These Days."
4.60 BROWN, A. SEYMOUR (5/28/1885-12/22/1947).
Author, composer, actor. Worked in vaudeville. Composed "Oh
You Beautiful Doll."
4.61 BROWN, GEORGE
4.3 BROWN, LEW (12/10/1893-2/5/1958).
Lyricist. Achieved success with a number of songs in collaboration with
composer Albert Von Tilzer,
and later as member of the Ray Henderson and Buddy DeSylva songwriting
team on Broadway.
4.62 BROWN, NACIO HERB (2/22/1896-9/28/1964).
Composer. First toured as piano accompanist; worked as a tailor and
realtor before first successes
in early 20's. One of the movies most important composers during early
sound years and many years
thereafter. Wrote "Singin in the Rain" and "You Are
My Lucky Star."
4.63 BROWN, NACIO HERB, JR. (2/27/1921- ).
Composer, author, publisher. Son of Nacio Herb Brown. Professional
manager of publishing firms;
manager of music catalogs. Songs include "Who Put That Dream in
Your Eyes."
4.64 BUCK, GENE (8/8/1885-2/25/1957).
Lyricist. Chief aide to Ziegfeld; wrote book for some of his shows.
Pioneer designer of sheet music
covers. Songs include "Hello Frisco" and "Tulip
Time."
4.65 BULLOCK, WALTER (5/6/1907-8/19/1953).
Lyricist. Wrote screenplays and songs for movies. Hits include
"This Is Where I Came In" and
"When Did You Leave Heaven?"
4.66 CAESAR, IRVING (4/4/1895-12/17/1996).
Lyricist, composer. Wrote mostly for New York stage but began working
for films in 30's. Wrote
message-bearing songs for children. Wrote "Count Your
Blessings" and "Tea for Two."
4.4 CAHN, SAMMY (6/18/1913- ).
Lyricist. Wrote many successful songs for Hollywood films, notably for
Frank Sinatra, and in collaboration with Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Van Heusen, and Jule Styne.
4.67 CALLAHAN, J. WILL (3/17/1874-11/15/1946).
Vocalist, lyricist. Started as an accountant, then singer of illustrated
songs. Wrote "Smiles."
4.5 CARMICHAEL, HOAGY (11/22/1899-12/27/1981).
Composer, lyricist, bandleader, pianist, and singer. Abandoned law
profession to pursue career
in songwriting. Contributed songs to a number of very popular motion
pictures.
4.68 CARROLL, EARL (9/16/1893-6/17/1948).
Composer. Produced and directed many revues. Built two theaters in New
York and had a restaurant in Hollywood. Produced movies. Hits include "Give Me All of You"
and "So Long Letty."
4.69 CARROLL, HARRY (11/28/1892-12/26/1962).
Composer. Pianist in movie theaters, cafes and vaudeville. Wrote for
Winter Garden productions;
wrote several Broadway stage scores. Hits include "I'm Always
Chasing Rainbows" and "Trail of the Lonesome Pine."
4.70 CHAMINADE, MME. CECILE, born in Paris.
Pianist, composer. Toured the US in 1908.
4.71 CLARIBEL (CHARLOTTE ALLINGTON BARNARD) (1830-1869)
Composer, lyricist. English. Enormously popular in her time.
Her "Come Back to Erin" is often
regarded as an Irish folk song.
4.72 COBB, GEORGE L. (8/31/1886-12/25/1942).
Composer. Began as composer of rags. Wrote for Melody
magazine. First hit was "All Aboard
for Dixieland."
4.6 COHAN, GEORGE M. (7/4/1878-11/5/1942).
Composer, lyricist, actor, playwright, and producer. Best remembered for
elaborately choreographed dance music, flag-waving songs, and songs for musical comedies and
vaudeville. Best known for his patriotic songs, "Over There" and "Yankee Doodle
Dandy."
4.73 COLUMBO, RUSS (1908-9/2/1934).
Composer; primarily a singer, featured in Gus Arnheims band. Theme song
for own band was
"You Call It Madness." Also wrote "Too Beautiful
for Words."
4.74 CONFREY, ZEZ (4/3/1895-11/22/1971).
Pianist, bandleader, composer. Cut many piano rolls. Solo piano
pieces have become standards:
"Dizzy Fingers" and "Kitten on the Keys."
4.75 CONN, CHESTER (4/14/1896- 4/4/1973).
Composer. Manager of publishing companies before owning own firm of
Bregman, Vocco & Conn. Hits include "Don't Mind the Rain."
4.76 CONRAD, CON (6/18/1891-9/28/1938).
Composer, pianist. Worked as theater pianist and in vaudeville; wrote
for stage and movies. Had publishing firm. Wrote "The Continental," first film song
awarded an Oscar; also wrote "Ma" and "Margie."
4.77 CONVERSE, CHARLES CROZAT (10/7/1832-4/8/1918).
Composer. Studied in Europe; practiced law upon return. Composed
partriotic overtures and
cantatas, vocal quartettes. Wrote on philosophical and philological
subjects under pen name
Karl Redan. Wrote "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
4.78 COOTS, J. FRED (5/2/1897-4/8/1985).
Composer, pianist. Accompanied vaudeville acts; worked as song plugger;
composed for Schuberts
shows but returned to club dates in composing independently. Wrote
"Love Letters in the Sand" and
"You Go to My Head."
4.79 COSLOW, SAM (12/27/1902).
Composer, lyricist, vocalist. Wrote for Broadway and movies; co-partner
in music publishing;
co-founded Soundies, song-movie shorts for coin machines. Hits include
"Cocktails for Two"
and "Was It a Dream?"
4.80 COWAN, LYNN (6/8/1888- ).
Composer, actor, director, vocalist, pianist. Worked in vaudeville and
as a film actor.
Composed background scores for early sound film, and songs for LADIES
MUST LOVE. Manager of Castle Terrace Club in Okinawa. Wrote
"Kisses."
4.80 COWAN, RUBEY (2/27/1891-7/28/1957).
Composer. Pianist in film theaters at age 13. Co-founded publishing
company; wrote first show
for Paramount Theater in New York; headed NBCs radio talent dept.
then Paramounts radio dept.
Wrote "You Can Expect Kisses from Me."
4.80 COWAN, STANLEY (2/3/1918- 12/13/1991).
Composer, author, director, publicist. Wrote special material for
orchestras, musicals, films;
Produced shows for USAF during WWII. Joined father's (Rubey Cowan) firm,
Rogers and Cowan.
Wrote "Do I Worry."
4.81 COWARD, NOEL (12/16/1899-3/26/1973).
Composer, lyricist, actor, playwright, producer. Born in England; began
professional career at
age 11. Best known of many popular songs are "I'll Follow My Secret
Heart" and "I'll See You Again."
4.82 CRUMIT, FRANK (9/26/1889-9/7/1943).
Composer, author, singer, actor. Vaudeville and stage performer.
Had radio series with Julia Sanderson. Known for novelty numbers such as "Abdul Abulbul Amir."
4.83 CUGAT, XAVIER (1/1/1900- 10/27/1990).
Bandleader, composer. Born in Spain; moved to Cuba when young; studied
in Berlin; gave concert tours. Worked as a caricaturist for the LA Times. Led orchestra
specializing in Spanish and Latin
American music. Wrote "My Shawl," his theme song.
4.84 DANIELS, CHARLES N. (4/12/1878-1/21/1943).
Composer, publisher. Pseudonym: Neil Moret. One of most significant
ragtime entrepreneurs. Wrote first motion picture title song: "Mickey." Other songs
include
"You Tell Me Your Dream," "Moonlight and Roses," and
"Chloe."
4.85 DANKS, HART PEASE (4/16/1834-11/20/1903).
Composer. Singer and conductor in New York churches and concert stages.
Published sacred and choral works; collaborated on three operettas. Best known for popular songs
such as "Silver Threads Among
the Gold."
4.86 DAVIS, BENNY (8/21/1895- 12/20/1979).
Lyricist, vocalist. Performed in vaudeville as a child. Toured with
Benny Fields as accompanist to
Blossom Seeley. Hits include "Baby Face" and
"Margie."
4.87 DEKOVEN, REGINALD (4/3/1859-1/16/1920).
Composer, conductor, music critic. America's first significant composer
of operetta: ROBIN HOOD
the first American operetta to be performed in London. Founded the
Philharmonic Orchestra in
Washington, D.C. in 1902. Best known song is "Oh Promise
Me."
4.88 DELEATH, VAUGHN (9/26/1896-5/28/1943).
Vocalist, pianist, composer, lyricist. Reportedly the first woman on
radio, sometimes credited with
originating crooning. Played vaudeville, performed on Broadway, and
recorded frequently. Hits include
"At Eventide" and "Ducklings on Parade."
4.89 DEMING, MRS. L. L., may be wife of Legrand L.
Deming, born in Connecticut 10/29/1812.
4.7 DeROSE, PETER (3/10/1900-4/24/1953).
Composer. Formed a radio team, The Sweethearts of the Air, with May
Singhi Breen, whom he
subsequently married. His most famous piece, "Deep Purple,"
became a commercial hit when lyrics
were added.
4.3 DeSYLVA, BUDDY (1/27/1895-7/11/1950).
Lyricist. Produced a number of hit songs with George Gershwin and
particularly for the singer,
Al Jolson. Also worked with Jerome Kern, Victor Herbert, and later as
member of the
Ray Henderson-Lew Brown songwriting partnership.
4.90 DILLON, HARRY (1866- 2/5/1916). Brother of John and
Will. Started performing career
on minstrel shows.
4.90 DILLON, JOHN (12/5/1882-9/2/1953).
Brother of Will and Harry. Followed brother Harry into
ministrel shows; first vaudeville engagement
was at Tony Pastor's; toured. Operated grocery store in hometown,
Cortland, NY, after retirement.
4.90 DILLON, WILLIAM AUSTIN (11/6/1877-2/10/1966).
Composer, author, actor, businessman. Worked in vaudeville, medicine and
minstrel shows;
toured with Harry Lauder. Successes include "All Alone" and
"I Want a Girl Just Like the
Girl That Married Dear Old Dad."
4.91 DIXON, HAROLD
4.8 DONALDSON, WALTER (2/15/1893-7/15/1947).
Composer. Hired in 1919 as staff writer for Irving Berlin Inc. Wrote
songs throughout the 1920s
that made him one of the most popular composers of the decade. Had many
collaborations, the
most successful with Gus Kahn.
4.9 DRESSER, PAUL (4/22/1858-1/30/1906).
Composer, lyricist, performer and publisher. One of the first
American performers to enter the music
publishing trade. Wrote songs for burlesque and vaudeville stage shows.
Considered the leading
American writer of sentimental ballads of the late 19th century.
Best-known song: "My Gal Sal."
4.92 DUBIN, AL (6/10/1891-2/11/1945).
Lyricist. Served overseas in entertainment unit in WWI. Biggest song
successes when teamed with
Harry Warren. Hits include "I Only Have Eyes for You" and
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips."
4.10 EDWARDS, GUS (8/18/1879-11/7/1945).
Composer, lyricist, impresario, and singer. Collaborated with lyricist
Will D. Cobb producing several
hit songs introduced in Broadway reviews, notably Ziegfeld's Follies of
1907 and 1910. Best-known
songs include "School Days" and "By The Light Of The
Silvery Moon."
4.93 EDWARDS, LEO (2/22/1886-7/12/1978).
Composer, author, producer. Brother of Gus Edwards. Worked in
vaudeville; was staff writer for
music publishing firms; cabaret producer. Hit songs include "Isle
d'Amour," "Inspiration," and the
official Boy Scout song "Tomorrow's America."
4.94 EMMET, JOSEPH KLINE (3/13/1841-1892).
Actor, composer. Performed in a minstrel company using a broken German
dialect that made him
famous. Several plays starring his 'Fritz' character were written for
him. Successful songs were
"Emmet's Lullaby" and "Sweet Violets."
4.95 ERDMAN, ERNIE (10/23/1879-11/1/1946).
Composer. Was pianist in the Original New Orleans Jazz Band. Worked on
professional staff of
Chicago music publishers. Songs hits include "Nobody's
Sweetheart" and "Toot, Toot, Tootsie,
Goodbye."
4.96 FAIN, SAMMY (6/17/1902- 12/6/1989).
Composer, vocalist, pianist. Was a self-taught pianist; began composing
songs while in grammar school. Very successful partnership with Irving Kahal writing songs for movies.
Hits include "Dear Hearts and
Gentle People," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "That Old
Feeling." Nominated for the Oscar 10 times; won twice.
4.97 FEIST, FELIX Wrote "Can't You See Im
Lonely."
4.97 FEIST, LEO (1/3/1869-6/1/1930).
Publisher, lyricist. When early songs didnt sell well Feist partnered
with Joe Frankenthaler to start what
became one of the leading publishing firms. His successes include
"Those Lost Happy Days" and "Smokey Mokes."
4.98 FIELD, EUGENE (9/3/1950-11/4/1895).
Author. Newspaper columnist for Chicago Morning News. His poems
were set to music.
4.99 FIELDS, DOROTHY (7/15/1905-3/28/1974).
Author, lyricist. At age 15 sang in an amateur show by Rodgers and Hart;
worked with brother Herbert
as co-librettist on several Broadway shows. Most successful
collaboration was with Jimmy McHugh.
Wrote "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and "I'm in
the Mood for Love." Won an Oscar with
Jerome Kern for "The Way You Look Tonight."
4.100 FIORITO, TED (12/20/1900-7/22/1971).
Composer, conductor, pianist. Began as a song demonstrator. First hit
song was "Toot, Toot, Tootsie,
Goodbye." Formed band in early 20's and continued to lead an
orchestra in the 60's. Other
hits include "Alone at Last" and "Charley, My Boy."
4.101 FISHER, FRED (9/30/1875-1/14/1942).
Composer, lyricist. Immigrated from Germany at age 25 but soon
assimilated popular music idioms. Early success was "Come, Josephine, in My Flying Machine."
Started composing for films in late 20's. Hits include "Dardanella" and "Your Feets Too Big."
4.11 FOSTER, STEPHEN (7/4/1826-1/13/1864).
Composer and lyricist of popular household, plantation, and minstrel
songs of the 19th century. Produced over 200 songs of two main types: sentimental ballads of hearth
and home, and songs
for the famous Christy's Minstrels.
4.102 FRANKLIN, DAVE (9/28/1895-2/3/1970).
Composer, lyricist, pianist. Pianist in publishing house at age
13; vaudeville accompanist; played
nightclubs in New York and European cities. Hits include "The
Anniversary Waltz" and
"When My Dream Boat Comes Home."
4.62 FREED, ARTHUR (9/9/1894-4/12/1973).
Lyricist, producer. Wrote for vaudeville; managed theater in Los
Angeles; produced shows. Began
writing for movie musicals in 1929. Many hits include "After
Sundown," "All I Do Is Dream of You,"
and "Singin' in the Rain."
4.103 FRIEDMAN, LEO (7/16/1869-3/7/1927).
Composer. Studied in Chicago and Berlin. Two biggest hits were "Let
Me Call You Sweetheart" and
"Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland."
4.104 FRIEND, CLIFF (10/1/1893-6/27/74).
Composer, lyricist, pianist. Wrote for Broadway and movies; was a
pianist for vaudeville performers
in US and England. Also worked as a test pilot. Hits include "Give
Me a Night in June" and
"The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down."
4.12 FRIML, RUDOLF (12/7/1879-11/12/1972).
Composer and pianist. One of the principal exponents of traditional
operetta and early musical comedy
in the United States. Collaborated with Oscar Hammerstein II and others
to produce the most popular
American musicals of the 1920s.
4.105 FROST, JACK (11/25/1893-10/21/1959).
Composer, lyricist. Writer with Chicago music company; wrote special
material for Eva Tanguay and
Trixie Friganza; worked in advertising. Hits include "When You and
I Were Young Maggie Blues."
4.106 GARBER, JAN (11/5/1897-10/4/1977).
Violinist, bandleader, composer. Played violin in Philadelphia
Symphony Orchestra; formed dance
band in early 20's; still conducting into the 60's. Wrote his theme
song, "My Dear."
4.107 GAY, BYRON (8/28/1886-12/23/1945).
Composer, author, explorer. Educated at US Navel Academy and was on 1933
Byrd Expedition. Successful songs include "The Little Ford Rambled Right Along"
and "The Vamp."
4.108 GILBERT, L. WOLFE (8/31/1886-7/12/1970).
Lyricist. Started as a singer in New York clubs, writing parodies of
popular songs for entertainers
such as Al Jolson. Moved to Hollywood where he wrote for films and the
Eddie Cantor radio show. Had his own publishing firm. Hits include "Lucky Lindy"
and "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee."
4.13 GERSHWIN, IRA (12/6/1896-8/17/1983).
Lyricist. Collaborated with various composers throughout his life, at
times using pseudonym,
Arthur Francis. He collaborated with brother George from 1924 until the
latter's death in 1937. Their first musical comedy together was LADY, BE GOOD.
4.13 GERSHWIN, GEORGE (9/26/1898-7/11/1937).
Composer, conductor, and pianist. Composer of Broadway shows and
one of America's most famous
composers of popular concert music. Brought jazz and classical styles
together in concert pieces,
African American folk music and opera, e.g. PORGY AND BESS.
4.109 GILLESPIE, HAVEN (2/6/1888-3/14/1975).
Lyricist. Left job as journeyman printer and began writing songs in the
mid-20's. Wrote for film, theater
and radio. Awarded Freedoms Foundation Award for "God's
Country." Hits include "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "You Go to My Head."
4.110 GLOVER, CHARLES W
(1806-3/23/1863).
Composer. English. Violinist in orchestras of Drury Lane and
Covent Garden; musical director of Queen's Theatre. "Do They Think of Me at Home" was one
of his greatest successes in the USA.
4.111 GLOVER, STEPHEN (mid 1812-1870).
Composer. English. One of his most popular songs was
"What Are the Wild Waves Saying?"
4.112 GOETZ, E. RAY (6/12/1886-6/12/1954).
Composer, lyricist, producer. Contributed to many Broadway
musicals. Hits include "For Me and My
Gal" and "Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula."
4.113 GOODHART, AL (1/26/1905-11/30/1955).
Composer, pianist. Early career as radio announcer, vaudeville pianist,
special material writer. With USO during WWII. Hits include "Auf Wiedersehen, My Dear,"
"I Apologize," and
"Who Walks in When I Walk Out?"
4.114 GORDON, MACK (6/21/1904-3/1/1959).
Lyricist, vocalist. Boy soprano in minstrel shows; comedian and singer
in vaudeville. Hits include
"Chatanooga Choo-Choo," "Time on My Hands," and
"You'll Never Know" which won an Academy
Award.
4.115 GREEN, JOHN W. (10/10/1908- 5/15/1989 ).
Composer, arranger, pianist, ` bandleader. Accompanied various singers;
formed own band. On many radio shows in New York then moved to Hollywood. MGM musical director
for many years. Scored
and conducted three Academy Award films. Hits include "Body and
Soul" and "I Cover the Waterfront."
4.116 GUEST, EDGAR ( 8/20/1881-8/5/1959).
Poet, Newspaperman for Detroit Free Press. Poems
Syndicated in nearly 300 papers; 17 volumes of
poetry published. Apeared on national radio for many years.
4.117 GUMBLE, ALBERT (9/10/1883-11/30/1946).
Composer, pianist for publishers. Entertained troops during WWII.
Hits include "Are You Sincere?"
and "How's Every Little Thing in Dixie?"
4.118 HALL, WENDELL WOODS (8/23/1896-4/2/1969).
Composer, author, singer, ukelele player. Known as "The Red-Headed
Music Maker." Played the
ukelele on radio and in vaudeville; made world radio tour in 20's.
Worked as advertizing executive.
Successful songs include "Underneath the Mellow Moon" and
"Whispering Trees."
4.14 HAMMERSTEIN, OSCAR, II (7/12/1895-8/23/1960).
Lyricist, librettist, producer, and publisher. Produced and wrote some
of the most successful Broadway
musicals in collaboration with composer Richard Rodgers and Jerome Kern.
Many of his works later
appeared in Hollywood films.
4.14 HAMMERSTEIN, OSCAR, I (5/8/1846-8/1/1919).
Composer. An impresario who wrote several works, including orchestral
pieces for use before or as
intermezzi in his productions, a ballet, MARGUERITE (1896), and the
operettas, SANTA MARIA
(1896) and THE KOHINOOR (1893).
4.119 HANLEY, JAMES F. (2/17/1892-2/8/1942).
Composer, pianist. Accompanist in vaudeville. Produced WWI army show
TOOT SWEET. Wrote
for early sound movie shorts. Hits include "Second Hand Rose"
and "Zing! Went the Strings of
My Heart."
4.57 HARRIGAN, EDWARD
4.15 HARRIS, CHARLES K. (5/1/1865-12/22/1930).
Composer, lyricist, and music publisher. Known principally as a
successful publisher of popular music. First publisher to use an illustration of a performer on a song sheet
cover. Most successful song:
"After the Ball." Cofounder of ASCAP.
4.120 HARRISON, ANNIE FORTESQUE (Lady Arthur
Hill)(1851-1944).
Composer. Best known songs include "In the Gloaming."
4.14 HART, LORENZ (5/2/1845-11/22/1913).
Lyricist and librettist. Collaborated with composer Richard Rodgers on
the scores of several successful
Broadway musicals and Hollywood productions.
4.121 HAYS, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.
(7/19/1837-7/22/1907).
Began writing songs at age 19. Very popular because of charming
melodies, easy execution of music,
and lyrics that projected authentic feelings.
4.122 HEMANS, MRS FELICIA DOROTHEA (1794-1835).
Very prolific and popular English poet. Composer for some of the
songs was her younger sister
Harriet Mary Browne.
4.3 HENDERSON, RAY (12/1/1896-12/31/1970).
Composer. Collaborated extensively with lyricists Lew Brown and Buddy
DeSylva. Wrote many of the
hit tunes of the 1920s and 1930s. Produced music of wide popular appeal
performed by Al Jolson and
others on stage and in films.
4.16 HERBERT, VICTOR (2/1/1859-5/26/1924).
Composer, cellist, and conductor. Successful particularly as
composer of American operettas, of
which forty (40) were written between 1894 and 1924, mostly romantic and
having happy endings.
4.123 HILL, DEDETTE LEE (11/2/1900-6/5/1950).
Collaborated with her husband, Billy Hill, and later with Johnny Marks.
4.123 HILL, BILLY (7/14/1899-12/24/1940).
Also used nom de plume George Brown. Composer, author, pianist,
violinist, conductor. Worked as
a cowboy and surveyors assistant in the west. Led first jazz band in
Salt Lake City. Best known songs
include "In the Chapel in the Moonlight" and "The Last
Roundup."
4.124 HILLIARD, BOB (1/28/1918-2/1/1971).
Lyricist. Wrote scores for Broadway. Successes include "Our Day
Will Come" and "They've Got
an Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil."
4.113 HOFFMAN, AL (9/25/1902-7/21/1960).
Composer, lyricist, drummer. Bandleader in hometown, Seattle;
drummer in NY night clubs; songwriter
early 30's through 50's. Hits include "Black Coffee" and
"Mairzy Doats."
4.125 HOWARD, JOSEPH E. (2/12/1878-5/19/1961).
Composer, author, actor, singer, producer, director. Boy soprano
in vaudeville; wrote Broadway
stage scores; also produced and directed on Broadway. Entertainer
in night clubs, radio, TV. Hits include "Goodbye, My Lady Love" and "I Wonder Who's
Kissing Her Now."
4.126 INGRAHAM, HERBERT (7/7/1883-8/24/1910)
Music Director of touring theater companies. Led own
orchestra. Staff composer for Shapiro Bernstein Publishing
Co. Brother of Roy.
4.126 INGRAHAM, ROY (12/6/1893-?)
Composer, author, singer. First song published at age 17.
Had own orchestra; toured in vaudeville. Wrote for several motion
pictures; radio broadcaster. Wrote special material for Sophie
Tucher and others. Brother of Herbert.
4.17 JACOBS-BOND, CARRIE (8/1861-12/1946).
Composer, lyricist, and music publisher. Called "the Riley of
the Music World," her songs, such as
"A Perfect Day," and "I Love You Truly," are beloved
by many.
4.127 JENKINS, GORDON (5/12/1910-5/1/1984).
Composer, author, conductor, arranger. Played organ in movie theater at
age 10; quit high school
to play piano in speakeasy. Pianist, arranger for leading bands;
Broadway radio conductor. Grammy Award for arrangement of "It Was a Very Good Year" as
recorded by Frank Sinatra.
Hits include "P.S. I Love You" and "When a Woman Loves a
Man."
4.128 JENTES, HARRY (8/28/1897-1/19/1958).
Composer, pianist. Successes include "He May Be Old But He Has
Young Ideas" and "Put Me to Sleep
with an Old-Fashioned Melody."
4.18 JOHNSON, CHARLES L. (12/3/1876-12/28/1950).
Composer and ragtime pianist. Known for his most popular ragtime
piece, "Dill Pickles" (1906);
also, piano pieces that evoked American Indian culture.
4.129 JONES, ISHAM (1/31/1894-10/19/1956).
Composer, bandleader, pianist. Formed and led outstanding dance band,
touring U.S. and Europe. Many radio appearances and recordings. Equally well known as
composer. Two standards are "It Had to Be You" and "I'll See You in My Dreams."
4.19 KAHN, GUS (11/6/1886-10/8/1941).
Lyricist. Writer of lyrical material for vaudeville performances and
Hollywood film musicals. Collaborated with such leading composers as Donaldson, Gershwin, Romberg,
Whiting, and
Van Alstyne.
4.130 KALMAR, BERT (2/16/1884-9/18/1947).
Lyricist, publisher. Worked in tent shows and vaudeville as a child.
Wrote scores for Broadway and
songs for movies; wrote screenplays. Hits include "I Wanna Be Loved
by You," "Three Little Words,"
and "Who's Sorry Now?"
4.131 KASSEL, ART (1/18/1896-2/3/1965).
Composer, author, vocalist, saxophonist, lyricist and bandleader. Early
radio and TV appearances as
bandleader after service in World War I. Composed his two theme
songs, "Doodle Doo Doo" and
"Hells Bells."
4.132 KENNEDY, HARRY (ca. 1800-1894).
Minstrel; ventriloquist who used two dummies simultaneously.
Brother William H. Kennedy was his
publisher and occassional collaborator.
4.133 KENNY, NICK (2/3/1895- ? ).
Lyricist, newspaper reporter, produced early amateur radio show; radio
editor of New York Daily Mirror. Successes include "Love Letters in the Sand" and "Gone
Fishin'."
4.133 KENNY, CHARLES (6/23/1898- ? ).
Composer, violinist, author. Collaborated with brother Nick.
4.20 KERN, JEROME (1/27/1885-11/11/1945).
Composer. Considered the most prolific composer of Broadway musicals. He
extended the popularity
of the musical play form by introducing songs and themes, avoiding
operatic styles, and using jazz
rhythms and chords instead to characterize the dramatic demands of plot.
4.134 KING, ROBERT A. (9/20/1862-4/14/1932).
Composer. Wrote under several noms de plume including Mary Earl
("Beautiful Ohio"), R. A. Wilson,
and Mrs. Ravenhall. Staff composer for music publishers. Appeared
in vaudeville. Hits include
"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream."
4.135 KIPLING, RUDYARD (12/30/1865-1/18/1936).
Author, poet. Best remembered for his celebrations of
British imperialism, his tales and poems of
British soldiers in India and Burma, and his children's stories.
He won the Nobel Prize for Literature
in 1907.
4.136 KLICKMANN, F. HENRI (2/4/1885- ? ).
Composer, pianist, violinist; arranger for Broadway musicals, music
publishers, dance
bands, and performers. Professional violinist, pianist, and accordianist.
Successes include
"Sing Me the Rosary" and "Sweet Hawaiian Moonlight."
4.137 KOEHLER, TED (7/14/1894-1/17/1973).
Lyricist. Began music career as pianist for nickelodeon, silent film
theaters. Wrote for Cotton Club,
other stage shows, and films. Most successful collaboration with Harold
Arlen ("Stormy Weather"). Also wrote "I Love a Parade" and "I've Got the World on a
String."
4.138 KRAMER, ALEX (9/13/1893-8/25/1955).
Composer, arranger; cellist in theater orchestras; arranger for
vaudeville and muscial comedy singers. Compiled and arranged many music folios. Collaborated with wife, Joan
Whitney. Hits include "High
on a Windy Hill" and "Candy."
4.139 KUMMER, CLARE (Clare Rodman Beecher)
(1/9/1888-4/21/1958).
Composer, playwright. Wrote scores and librettos for Broadway. Successes
include "Bluebird."
4.140 LAWNHURST, VEE (11/24/1905- 5/16/1992).
Pianist, singer, composer. Arranged piano rolls. Original member
of Roxy's Radio Gang. Successful
songs include "Sunday Go to Meetin' Time."
4.141 LAWRENCE, JACK (4/7/1912- ? ).
Composer, lyricist. Organized bands for the armed services. Wrote
"Tenderly," and English Lyrics
for "Ay, Ay, Ay" and "Cielito Lindo."
4.142 LEONARD, EDDIE, (10/18/1875-7/29/1941).
Composer, author, singer, actor; professional baseball player. Performed
in minstrel shows,
sang in variety shows. Fought in the Spanish American War. Wrote
"Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider."
4.143 LESLIE, EDGAR (12/31/1885-1/20/1976).
Lyricist, author, publisher. Wrote special material for performers
and films. Hits include "For
Me and My Gal" and "Moon over Miami."
4.144 LEWIS, AL (4/18/1901-4/4/1967).
Composer, lyricist; became a music publisher later in career. Hits
include "Now's the Time to
Fall in Love."
4.145 LEWIS, SAM M. (10/25/1885-11/22/1959).
Lyricist. Started as runner in a brokerage house. Sang in cafes; wrote
material for self and other
performers, also for stage and movies. Hits include "Dinah,"
"Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue,"
and "How Ya Gonna Keep' Em Down on the Farm?"
4.146 LIEBER, JERRY (4/25/1933- ).
Lyricist. Grew up in Baltimore hearing R&B. Struggled with acting in
Hollywood when met and teamed
with Mike Stoller to write many hits, including "Searching."
4.147 LITTLE, JACK (5/28/1900-4/9/1956).
Pianist, composer, lyricist, vocalist, bandleader. Had a popular radio
porgram in 20's. Led a band in
the 30's. Successes include "In a Shanty in Old Shanty
Town."
4.148 LOESSER, FRANK (6/29/1910-7/28/1969).
Composer, lyricist, publisher. Wrote songs for college shows and
later for Army shows. Worked as
newspaper reporter and caricaturist in vaudeville. Became leading writer
for Broadway and Hollywood
musicals. Founded own publishing company. Won Oscar and Tony Awards and
the Pulitzer Prize. Among many hits are "Two Sleepy People" and "On a Slow
Boat to China."
4.149 LOGAN, FREDERICK KNIGHT
(10/15/1871-6/11/1928).
Composer. Wrote sentimental ballads in collaboration with his mother,
Viginia. Wrote "Missouri Waltz."
4.149 LOGAN, VIRGINIA K. (1800's). Mother of
Frederick Knight Logan.
4.150 LOMBARDO, CARMEN (7/16/1903-4/17/71).
Arranger and composer in brother Guy Lombardo's dance band for forty
years. Played sax with heavy
vibrato and sang most vocals.
4.151 LYMAN, ABE (8/4/1897-10/23/1957).
Composer, author, singer. Led own dance orchestra, The Californians.
4.69 MacDONALD, BALLARD (10/15/1882-11/17/1935).
Lyricist. Began writing material for vaudeville after attending
Princeton. Lyricist, librettist for Broadway
musicals.
4.152 MANCINI, HENRY (4/16/1924-).
Composer. Very popular composer of songs and themes for film ("Moon
River" and "The Days of Wine
and Roses") and TV ("Peter Gunn" and "Mr
Lucky"). Began career in Pittsburgh dance bands pre-WWII.
4.153 MARKS, EDWARD B. (11/28/1865-12/17/1945).
Publisher. Started company with focus on popular music but added the
more serious composers. Bought the Cohan Publishing Company; and was the agent for Polish and
English companies. His own
early song success was "The Little Lost Child."
4.154 MASTERS, FRANKIE (4/12/1904- ).
Composer, bandleader. Led hotel and ballroom bands in New York and
Chicago; on the West Coast
circuit in 30's and 40's; TV shows in the 50's. Active in the midwest
into the 70's.
4.155 McGLENNON, FELIX
4.156 McHUGH, JIMMY (7/10/1894-5/23/69 ).
Composer. Early fame with score for BLACKBIRDS OF 1928. Popular composer
for movies during
30's-40's. Important collaboration with many songwriters, especially
Dorothy Fields. Hits include
"I'm in the Mood for Love" and "When My Sugar
Walks Down the Street."
4.157 McKINLEY, MABEL (1879?-6/7/1937)
Pseudonym: Vivian Grey. Daughter of President McKinley's youngest
brother, Abner. Married
Dr. Hermanus Baer of Reading, PA.
4.21 MERCER, JOHNNY (11/18/1909-6/25/1976).
Composer and lyricist with a gift for incorporating southern vernacular
speech and images of country
settings into songs. Wrote lyrics for Broadway musicals and words and
music to many popular songs.
4.158 MERRILL, BLANCHE (7/23/1895-10/5/1966).
Author, lyricist. Wrote special material for Eva Tanguay, Fanny Brice,
and other prominent singers;
also wrote for musicals. Successes include "Jazz Baby."
4.159 MERRILL, BOB (5/17/1921- 2/17/1998).
Composer, lyricist. Leading writer of novelty songs in the 50's,
including "How Much Is That Doggie
in the Window" and "If I Knew You Were Comin' Id've Baked a
Cake."
4.145 MEYER, GEORGE W. (1/1/1884-8/28/1959).
Composer of many popular songs during the first half of the 20th
Century, including "For Me and My
Gal," "Tuck Me to Sleep in My Old Tucky Home," and "Sittin
in the Corner."
4.160 MILLARD, HARRISON (11/27/1829-9/10/1895).
Composer. Singer early in career, studied in Italy and toured England
and the Continent. Returned to
U.S.; wounded in the Civil War. Wrote about 350 songs and many church
works. Set UNCLE TOM'S
CABIN to music.
4.161 MILLARD, MRS. P.
4.73 MILLER, NED (8/2/1899-1/26/1990)
4.22 MILLS, KERRY (2/1/1869-12/5/1948).
Composer and music publisher. Specialized in ragtime songs and
instrumental pieces. His ragtime
cakewalks and the non-ragtime piece, "Meet Me in St. Louis,"
popularized by Judy Garland, were
particularly successful.
4.162 MOHR, HALSEY
4.163 MOORE, THOMAS (6/28/1779-2/26/1852).
Irish poet, composer, lyricist, musician.Provided words and music to a
selection of Irish songs and
did much to kindle an interest in little known Irish tunes. As poet, he
appealed to a wide range of tastes.
4.23 MONACO, JAMES V. (1/13/1885-12/17/1945).
Composer. Earned reputation as a Tin Pan Alley composer playing rag
music in cabarets and nightclubs. Contributed several song hits to Broadway and Hollywood musical
productions, among which is the
song, "You Made Me Love You," made famous by Judy Garland in
1937.
4.164 MORGAN, CAREY (12/25/1885-1/6/1960).
Composer. Wrote special material for vaudeville and scores for Broadway.
Hits include "Rain" and
"My Own Iona."
4.165 MORGAN, RUSS (4/19/1904-8/8/1969).
Bandleader, composer. Arranger for Victor Herbert, Fletcher Henderson,
Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb,
among many others. Developed muted wha-wha trombone style with
Freddy Martin. Wrote songs for
Cotton Club Revues. Musical driector for Brunswick Records.
4.166 MORSE, THEODORA (7/11/1890-11/10/1953).
Lyricist. Wrote under pseudonyms D. A. Esrom, Dorothy Terriss, and Dolly
Morse. Most famous songs
written in collaboration with husband Theodore Morse: "Three
O'Clock in the Morning" and
"My Wonderful One."
4.167 MORSE, THEODORE (4/13/1873-5/24/1924).
Composer. Collaborated with several lyricists including his wife,
Theodora. Successes include
"M-O-T-H-E-R" and "Blue Bell."
4.168 MUIR, LEWIS F. (1884-1/19/1950).
Composer. Ragtime pianist. Hits include "Take Me to That Swanee
Shore" and "Waiting for the Robert
E. Lee."
4.169 NELSON, STEVE ( ? ).
Hits include "Frosty the Snowman."
4.169 NELSON, EDWARD G. (3/18/1885-3/30/1969).
Composer, conductor; pianist in nightclubs and cabarets; orchestra
leader. Wrote material for vaudeville
and songs for movies. Successes include "Peggy O'Neil."
4.169 NELSON, EDWARD G., JR. (3/26/1916-).
Composer, author. Served with Special Services during WWII.
4.24 NEVIN, ETHELBERT (11/25/1862-2/17/1901).
Composer. Wrote songs and short piano pieces, sometimes overly
sentimental but expressive of gentler
and amorous moods.
4.170 NOBLE, RAY (12/17/1903- ).
Composer, pianist, bandleader. Established as outstanding leader
of dance bands in England and then in
USA after emigrating. Radio work including Burns & Allen show.
Successes include "Good
Night Sweetheart" and "The Very Thought of You."
4.54 NORWORTH, JACK (1/5/1879-9/1/1959).
Vocalist, Composer, lyricist. Entertainer in vaudeville and Broadway;
blackface comedian in minstrel
shows. Performed and collaborated with wife Nora Bayes. Their most
famous song "Shine on Harvest
Moon." Wrote lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
4.171 OLMAN, ABE (12/20/1888-1/4/1984).
Composer, publisher. Started as a song demonstrator; established LaSalle
Music Company. Wrote for early movie musicals. Hits include "Oh, Johnny Oh"
and "Down Among the Sheltering Palms."
4.172 PALEY, HERMAN (5/5/1879-11/4/1955).
Composer, publisher, radio executive. Studied music
professionally. Worked as staff composer, then
executive with music publishing companies. Director of New York Stage
Door Canteen shows; talent
scout and composer for Fox Films.
4.173 PARISH, MITCHELL (7/10/1900-4/2/1993).
Lyricist. Attended Columbia and NYU. Staff writer for music publisher;
began writing lyrics in 20's. Among the most famous songs are "Deep Purple," "Moonlight
Serenade," and "Star Dust."
4.174 PETRIE, H. W. (3/4/1857-5/25/1925).
Composer, vocalist. Performed in minstrel shows. Successes include
"Asleep in the Deep" and
"I Dont Want to Play in Your Yard."
4.175 PIANTADOSI, AL (7/18/1884-4/8/1955).
Composer, pianist; accompanist in vaudeville. Popularized ragtime when
touring US, Europe, and
Australia. Worked for NY publishing house. Hits include "Pal of My
Cradle Days."
4.25 PORTER, COLE A. (6/9/1891-10/15/1964).
Composer and lyricist. One of the most thoroughly trained popular
songwriters, whose theatrically
elegant, sophisticated, and musically complex songs contributed to
America's most popular music of
the 20th century.
4.176 POWELL, W. C. (Pseudonym: Polla)
4.114 REVEL, HARRY (12/21/1905-11/3/1958).
Composer and pianist. Born in London, had early classical piano
training. Moved to USA and
accompanied Mack Gordon in vaudeville. They started writing for
Ziegfeld but were in Hollywood
by 1933. The team broke up in 1939. He founded Realm Music Co., a
publishing house, in 1949. Successes include "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?"
4.177 ROBERTS, LEE S. (11/12/1884-9/10/1949).
Composer, pianist. Worked in piano manufacturing business.
Developed QRS artist-recorded music
rolls and catalogs. Pianist on radio. Hits include "A Little Birch
Canoe and You" and "Patches."
4.178 ROBINSON, J. RUSSEL (7/8/1892-9/30/1963).
Composer, lyricist, pianist. Began performing and composing as a
teenager. Played with Original
Dixieland Band; wrote songs for London revues; made piano rolls;
accompanied singers. Pianist
and vocal coach for radio show CHILDRENS HOUR. Hits include
"Margie."
4.179 ROBISON, WILLARD (9/18/1894-6/24/1968).
Composer, lyricist, pianist, vocalist, bandleader. Radio performer most
active in 20's and 30's.
Formed Deep River Orchestra; often featured African American folk music
and spirituals.
Radio shows "Deep River Music" and "Plantation
Echoes." Hits include "Cottage for Sale."
4.14 RODGERS, RICHARD (6/26/1902-12/30/1979).
Composer. Collaborated with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, whose
partnership led to a series
of musicals that enjoyed unprecedented artistic, critical, and financial
success in both Hollywood and
Broadway in the 1930's and 1940's.
4.26 ROMBERG, SIGMUND (7/29/1887-11/9/1951).
Composer and conductor. Composed musical scores in the traditional style
of the operetta of the 1920s. Proved to be more flexible than rival Rudolph Friml in adapting to the
new tastes and musical styles
emerging in American music of the 1930's.
4.180 ROONEY, PAT (7/4/1880-9/9/1962).
Composer, vocalist. Dancer-singer in vaudeville and on Broadway, first
with sister, then with wife
Marion Brent. Successes include "You Be My Ootsie, I'll Be Your
Tootsie."
4.27 ROOT, FREDERICK W. (6/13/1846-?).
Composer and music teacher. He was the son of George Frederick Root. One
of the country's
most active and successful singing teachers, F. W. Root's School of
Singing describes
the first of his many singing methods.
4.27 ROOT, GEORGE F. (8/30/1820-8/6/1895).
Composer and music educator. Pseudonym: G. Friedrich Wurzel. Best known
for his songs of sentiment
and patriotism published during the Civil War era. Also composed over 30
hymns and gospel songs
rivaling Stephen Foster in number and popular success.
4.28 ROSE, BILLY (9/6/1899-2/10/1966).
Lyricist and producer. Provided the lyrics to some of the most
successful popular songs of the 1930's
and 1940's. Also produced several Broadway musicals and perhaps known
more for his editing,
polishing, and promoting of songs than as a lyricist.
4.181 ROSE, VINCENT (6/13/1880-5/20/1944).
Composer, pianist, vocalist, bandleader. Early training in Italy. Formed
orchestra 1904. Successes
include "Whispering."
4.182 ROSENFELD, MONROE H. (1861-12/13/1918).
Pseudonyms: F. Heiser and F. Belasco. Composer, journalist. Credited
with coining the term
'Tin Pan Alley.' Wrote more than 1,000 songs.
4.183 ROSSITER, WILL (3/15/1867-6/10/1954).
Composer, publisher. Pseudonyms: Cleve Williams and W. R.
Williams. Immigrated to USA from
England in 1881. Appeared at Tony Pastor's. Very successful publisher of
popular music; initiated
innovative marketing techniques for sheet music. Wrote "I'd Love to
Live in Loveland with a Girl
Like You."
4.130 RUBY, HARRY (1/27/1895-2/23/1974).
Composer. Professional pianist at age 16; song plugger for Tin Pan Alley
publishers; vaudeville
performer. Had many collaborators; partnership with Bert Kalmar produced
many hits including
score for Marx Brothers' ANIMAL CRACKERS; wrote theme for TV series THE
REAL McCOYS.
4.130 RUBY, HERMAN (3/15/1891-7/31/1959).
Composer. Older brother of Harry Ruby. Hits include "My Sunny
Tennessee" and "Cecelia."
4.184 RUSSELL, HENRY (12/24/1812-12/8/1900).
English. Composer, pianist; sang with children's opera troupe; studied
composition in Italy. Came to US, worked as organist and choirmaster, then toured as one of
the few major
singers of his time to present unassisted entertainment. Wrote "The
Old Arm Chair" and
"Woodman! Spare That Tree!"
4.185 SANDERS, JOE (10/15/1896-5/15/1965).
Composer, pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader. Co-leader of the
Coon-Sanders Orchestra in 20's
and 30's. Known as The Old Lefthander from early days as amateur
baseball pitcher. Hits include
"Got a Great Big Date with a Little Bitta Girl."
4.186 SCHWARTZ, JEAN (11/4/1878-11/30/1956).
Composer, pianist. Prolific leading composer from turn of century.
Pianist in cafes, publishing
houses. Teamed with William Jerome on Broadway shows and performed with
him in vaudeville. Successes include "Hello Central, Give Me No Man's Land."
4.140 SEYMOUR, TOT ( 10/23/1889-8/31/1966).
Lyricist of the 30's. Worked for New York publishing house. Wrote
special material for Fanny Brice,
Belle Baker, Sophie Tucker, Mae West; also songs and scripts for raido
shows.
4.187 SHAND, TERRY (10/1/1904- 11/11/1988).
Composer, lyricist. Pianist in silent movie theaters early in career.
Pianist/vocalist in 30's; later had own
band. Hits include "Dance with a Dolly."
4.188 SHAY, LARRY (10/10/1897- 2/22/1988).
Composer, arranger, pianist. WWI military service. Musical director for
MGM; program director
for NBC radio in New York. Hits include "Get Out and Get Under the
Moon."
4.144 SHERMAN, AL (9/7/1897-9/15/1973).
Composer, lyricst. As pianist provided mood music for silent movies;
pianist for publishing
house. Successes include "On a Dew-Dew-Dewy Day."
4.144 SILVER, ABNER (12/28/1899- 11/24/1966).
Composer, lyricist, pianist. Dance band pianist; worked for
publishing house. Song publisher. Composed many popular songs from 1920 into 60's, including songs for
Elvis Presley movies
JAILHOUSE ROCK, KING CREOLE, and G.I. BLUES.
4.189 SIMONS, SEYMOUR B. (1/14/1896-2/12/1949).
Composer, lyricist, bandleader. Wrote Michigan Union operas while
attending the University. In AAF during WWI, and with USO in WWII. Wrote material for revues in
London and Paris
early 20's, then led dance band in US. Later record company executive.
Hits include
"Breezin Along with the Breeze" and "All of Me."
4.190 SKYLAR, SUNNY (11/11/1913- ).
Composer, lyricist, author; band singer with Abe Lyman, Paul Whiteman,
and others; also worked
as a single act. Wrote band material for Betty Hutton and others. Hits
include "Besame Mucho."
4.191 SMITH, HARRY B. (12/28/1860-1/2/1936).
Lyricist. Librettist-lyricist of Broadway musicals 1887-1932, one of
most prolific. Brother of Robert B.
Smith. Collaborated with DeKoven on first American comic opera.
Music and drama critic for Chicago
newspapers. Adaptations of French and German operettas. Successes
include "The Sheik of Araby."
4.192 SMITH, LEE OREAN (1874-?)
4.191 SMITH, ROBERT B. (6/4/1875-11/6/1951).
Lyricist. Reporter for Brooklyn Eagle. Publicity for Casino
Theater, wrote material for shows there. Collaborated with brother Robert B. Smith in Broadway shows. Adapted
some stage shows to musicals.
Successes include "All the World Loves a Lover."
4.193 SNYDER, TED (8/15/1881-7/16/1965).
Composer, lyricst, pianist. Early career pianist in cafes and publishing
houses. Hired Irving Berlin as
staff pianist for his publishing company; collaborated in early songs;
Berlin later became partner. Successes include "Whos Sorry Now?"
4.194 SOLMAN, ALFRED (5/6/1868-11/15/1937)
4.29 SOUSA, JOHN PHILIP (11/6/1854-3/6/1932).
Composer, bandleader, and writer. Known as the "March King"
and as the most important figure
in the history of American bands and band music. His contributions to
band brass instrumentation
includes the sousaphone and a bass tuba with bells, built in the 1890's.
4.195 SPENCER, HERBERT (5/27/1878-8/26/1944).
Composer, arranger, singer. Studied voice with Enrico Caruso. In
vaudeville for 12 years. Accompanist
and arranger for prominent singers. Successes include "There's
Egypt in Your Dreamy Eyes."
4.196 SPINA, HAROLD (6/21/1906-7/18/1997).
Composer, lyricist. Pianist, arranger for publishing house; wrote
special material. Founder-President
of Telefilm. Director and producer for record companies. Hits
include "Annie Doesnt Live Here Anymore."
4.197 STEPT, SAM (9/18/1897-12/1/1964).
Composer, lyricist, bandleader. Pianist for publishing house.
Vaudevile accompanist for Mae West and
Jack Norworth among others. Led dance band in early 20's. Songwriting
mainly in 30's and 40's.
Hits include "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and "That's
My Weakness Now."
4.30 STERLING, ANDREW B. (1874-1955).
Composer and lyricist. Collaborated extensively with the popular Tin Pan
Alley songwriter, Harry Von Tilzer, providing the lyrics to some of the most popular songs,
including so-called coon songs of the
early 1900's as "One Sunday Afternoon" and "Down Where
The Cotton Blossoms Grow."
4.153 STERN, JOSEPH W. (1/11/1870-3/31/1934)
4.146 STOLLER, MIKE (3/13/1933-).
Composer. Early piano lessons in New York. Moved to Los Angeles and met
Jerry Lieber. First hits
were "Kansas City" and "Hound Dog."
4.198 STRAIGHT, CHARLEY (1/16/1891-9/21/ or
10/17/1940).
Composer, lyricist, pianist, bandleader. Early career in vaudeville.
Leader of band in 30's. Musical
director of company producing player-piano rolls. Hits include
"Funny, Dear, What Love Can Do."
4.31 STYNE, JULE K. (12/31/1905- ).
Composer. Collaborated with Sammy Cahn on several Broadway musicals.
Became one of the most
prolific theatrical composers of the post-WWII era, creating scores for
over 20 musicals performed
by such artists as Carol Channing, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, and Barbra
Streisand.
4.32 SULLIVAN, SIR ARTHUR S. (5/13/1842-11/22/1900).
English composer and conductor. Composed comic operas whose music,
written to librettos by W.S. Gilbert, represents a peculiarly English style of operetta that
achieved exceptional renown
in both England and the United States. One of the most widely popular of
all British composers.
4.199 TAYLOR, TELL
4.200 THORNTON, JAMES (12/5/1861-7/27/1938).
Composer, performer. Worked as a singing waiter, then toured in
vaudeville, often performing with
wife, Bonnie. Successes include "When You Were Sweet Sixteen."
4.201 TIERNEY, HARRY (5/21/1890-3/22/1965).
Composer, pianist. Toured US and abroad as concert pianist. Worked for
Remick publishing house. Wrote scores for several Broadway shows. Hits include "Alice Blue
Gown."
4.202 TOBIAS, CHARLES (8/15/1898-7/7/1970).
Lyricist, composer, vocalist. Prolific songwriter mid-20's into 50's.
Collaborated with brothers
Harry and Henry. Early career sang in vaudeville, for publishing houses,
and on radio. Formed
publishing company in 1923. Hits include "Those Lazy Hazy Crazy
Days of Summer."
4.202 TOBIAS, FRED (3/25/1928-).
Lyricist. Son of Charles Tobias. Wrote special material for Carol
Burnett and Julius Monk,
among others. Made Broadway debut as co-lyricist of Ellington's
POUSSE CAFE. Wrote lyrics for TV specials THE GIFT OF THE MAGI and QUINCY.
Songs recorded by
Patti Page, Tony Bennett, Steve Lawrence, Elvis Presley and
others.
4.202 TOBIAS, HARRY (9/11/1895-12/15/1994).
Lyricist. Brother Charles among several collaborators; most songwriting
in 30's and 40's. Wrote
special material for movies. Hits include "It's a Lonesome Old
Town."
2.202 TOBIAS, HENRY (4/23/1905 - 12/5/1997).
Lyricist, composer pianist, vocalist. Wrote for vaudeville and night
club performers and for radio. Pianist, singer and disc jockey; TV producer for CBS. Collaborated
with brothers Charles and
Harry. Directed and produced shows for summer stock and resort hotels.
Hits include "What Are
You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"
4.33 VAN ALSTYNE, EGBERT (3/5/1878-7/9/1951).
Composer and lyricist. Best known for his collaboration with lyricist
Harry H. Williams, with whom
he wrote songs exploiting Indian themes and the popular "In The
Shade of the Old Apple Tree."
Later joined forces with lyricist Gus Kahn.
4.203 VINCENT, NAT (11/6/1889-6/6/1979).
Pianist on vaudeville circuit. One of radio's "Happy Chappies."
Remained active in later years
despite total blindness. Wrote "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles."
4.34 VON TILZER, ALBERT (3/29/1878-10/1/1956).
Composer, lyricist, and publisher. Wrote some of the most popular
songs of the early 20th century, and
contributed songs to a number of films and Broadway productions. Like
brother Harry, Albert's songs
incorporate dance rhythms and slang idioms typical of Tin Pan Alley that
have since become standards.
4.35 VON TILZER, HARRY (7/8/1872-1/10/1946).
Composer, lyricist, performer, and publisher. Wrote and published over
2,000 of his own songs and other sentimental and moralistic ballads. Also wrote so-called coon
songs for blackfaced minstrels and vaudeville acts of the period. Plugged and published many
of the Gershwin and
Berlin songs that later became famous.
4.204 WALLACE, WILLIAM VINCENT
(3/11/1812-10/12/1865).
Irish composer, pianist, violinist. Debuted as composer at age 22. Moved
to Australia, then various
North and South American cities; finally settled in London where he had
his great success with MARITANA.
4.36 WARREN, HARRY (12/24/1893-9/22/1951).
Composer, lyricist. Wrote songs for Broadway reviews, including several
co-authored and produced
with Billy Rose. Considered one of the most successful composers of
American films. The wide
dissemination of his music through the film medium made him one of the
most influential of all
20th-century songwriters.
4.205 WASHINGTON, NED (8/15/1901- 12/20/1996).
Lyricist. Early career in vaudeville as M.C. and agent, and writing
special material. Popular
lyricist from late 20's into 60's; wrote for Broadway shows and movies,
including title songs. Hits include "High Noo n" and "When You Wish Upon a
Star."
4.206 WAYNE, BERNIE ( ? ).
Composed "There She Is," the Miss America Pageant Theme Song.
4.207 WAYNE, SID (1/26/1923-).
Composer, author. Wrote songs and comedy material for TV.
Popular songs include "Nintey- nine
Years" and "Two Different Worlds."
4.208 WEBSTER, JOSEPH PHILBRICK
(2/18/1819-1/18/1875).
Composer and performer. Toured in concerts of popular music. Managed a
Connecticut troupe, The Euphonians, and composed many of their successful songs. Public
opposition to slavery
forced several moves. Published over 400 songs, ballads, patriotic songs
and hymns.
4.209 WEBSTER, PAUL FRANCIS (12/20/1907- 3/22/1984).
Lyricist. After college became seaman, dancing instructor. To Hollywood
mid-30's for movie work. In 50's and 60's wrote many movie and title songs; had several Academy
Award nominations and
awards. Hits include "Giant" and "Love Is a Many
Splendored Thing."
4.210 WEIL, KURT (3/2/1900-4/3/1950).
German. Composer, arranger, pianist. Very successful career in
Germany; left in 1933 with wife
Lotte Lenya, first to Paris then to US in 1935. Composed many Broadway
musicals in the 40's including
KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY ("September Song") and THE THREEPENNY
OPERA, first produced
in Germany.
4.37 WENDLING, PETER (6/6/1888-4/8/1974).
Composer, lyricist, and pianist. Wrote several hit songs of the
post-WWII era in partnership with
Bert Kalman and Edgar Leslie. Most popular song: "Oh, What a Pal
Was Mary."
4.38 WENRICK, PERCY (1/23/1887-3/17/1952).
Composer, lyricist, pianist, and singer. Best known for his
pre-WWII popular songs such as "Put On
Your Old Grey Bonnet," "Moonlight Bay," and others, that
became favorites of barbershop quartets
and sing-alongs. Known in Tin Pan Alley as "The Joplin
Kid".
4.39 WHITING, RICHARD A. (11/12/1892-2/10/1938).
Composer and lyricist. Among the most successful Tin Pan Alley
songwriters of the 1920s and 1930s. He was one of the first important Hollywood composers to began writing
music for silent film and
later for sound productions such as the very successful movie, HOLLYWOOD
HOTEL.
4.138 WHITNEY, JOAN (6/26/1914-7/12/1990).
Composer, lyricist, vocalist. Own radio show; sang in clubs and
hotels. Formed publishing firm
with husband Alex Kramer. Hits include "Candy" and
"High on a Windy Hill."
4.211 WILLIAMS, GUS (7/19/1847-1/16/1915).
Composer, actor, singer. Performed at Tony Pastor's before playing
legitimate leading roles. Toured
in vaudeville.
4.212 WOOODBURY, ISAAC BAKER
(10/23/1819-10/26/1858).
Composer. Studied in London, Paris. Taught music; was conductor, editor,
writer. Compiled music
collections. Popular songs include "Be Kind to the Loved Ones at
Home."
4.213 WOODS, HARRY (11/4/1896-1/14/1970).
Composer, lyricist. Pianist and singer while student at Harvard.
Wrote for English movies mid-30's. Hits include "When the Red, Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin'
Along" and "Side by Side."
4.214 WRUBEL, ALLIE (1/15/1905-12/13/1973).
Coposer, lyricist, bandleader. Saxman in bands; led own band;
theater manager. Wrote for
Warner Brothers, then Disney. Hits include "Gone with the
Wind" and "Zip-a Dee-Doo-Dah."
4.40 YELLEN, JACK (7/6/1892-4/17/1991 ).
Lyricist. Permanent lyricist for Tin Pan Alley songwriter, Milton Ager.
Also wrote special material
for entertainer Sophie Tucker for over 20 years. A famous song by the
Yellen/Ager combination was
"I Wonder What's Become of Sally." "Happy Days Are
Here Again" was another great hit.
4.41 YOUMANS, VINCENT M. (9/27/1898-4/5/1946).
Composer. Wrote and produced three successful Broadway musicals.
Published fewer than 100 songs,
but 18 of these were considered standards by ASCAP, including "Tea
For Two," "Take A Chance,"
and "I Want To Be Happy."
4.145 YOUNG, JOE
4.215 YOUNG, VICTOR (b. Chicago,
8/8/1900-11/11/1956).
Composer, violinist, conductor. Worked in radio and theater as
violinist, arranger, conductor. Wrote over 200 scores for movies, including SHANE. Song hits include
"Stella by Starlight" and
"Sweet Sue."
4.216 YOUNG, VICTOR (b. Bristol, Tennessee,
4/9/1889-9/2/1968).
Pianist and composer. Studied and toured in Europe. Accompanist to
prominent singers. Music
director in Thomas A. Edison's Experimental Laboratory. Composed for
about 300 movies
including some of the earliest sound productions.
4.217 ZAMECNIK, JOHN S. (5/14/1872-6/13/1953).
Composer. Classical training included time under Antonin Dvorak.
Violinist in Pittsburgh Orchestra
under Victor Herbert. Wrote operettas.
TOP
|