Music During the Era of Silent Films

Today, we are familiar with the soundtrack that accompanies a film.  The music is included with the film and often increases our emotions of suspense, romance, mystery, etc. But, what about music in the bygone era of silent films? How was music used in films during this time? Silent in silent film refers to the Read More

Song Story: Buffalo Gals

If you’re a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life you’ll remember Mary and George Bailey singing the song “Buffalo Gals” where George lassos the moon. Buffalo Gals is an American song that was written and published in 1844.  The song was originally titled “Kubly Fan”. The song was written by John Hodges, who was a Read More

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

By the Light of the Silvery Moon is another popular song from the early 20th Century.  It was first published in 1909. The lyrics were written by Edward Madden, who wrote On Moonlight Bay. The composer was Gus Edwards, who also wrote songs such as  “I Can’t Tell You Why I Love You but I Read More

On Moonlight Bay

On Moonlight Bay is a popular song of the 20th Century.  The best known version is the one by Doris Day. The song was first published in 1912.  The lyrics were written by Edward Madden, an American lyricist who wrote songs such as What Could Be Sweeter? And Red Rose Rag. The composer was Percy Read More

A Perfect Day

A Perfect Day was written by Carrie Smith-Bond, also known as the author of I Love You Truly. A Perfect Day was another hit for Bond.  The story of A Perfect Day is interesting. While traveling in California around 1909, Carrie stopped by at the Mission Inn in Riverside, California. In her own words: “..while dressing for Read More

In the Good Ole Summertime

In the Good Ole Summertime is a Tin Pan Alley song that was first published in 1902.  The song was written by George Evans and Ren Shields. The duo had a difficult time selling the song to publishers.  At the suggestion of actress Blanche Ring, the song was added to the 1902 musical comedy, The Read More

Carrie Jacobs-Bond Triumphed over Tragedy

We recently looked at the song I Love You Truly.  However, the author has an interesting life worth reviewing in her own right.   Carrie was born on August 11, 1862, during the midst of the Civil War.  She was born in a brick house in Janesville, Wisconsin. By a young age she could pick Read More

I Love You Truly

I Love You Truly is a popular love song with the senior adult population I work with. This song was a parlor song published in 1901.  This musical composition was written by Carrie Jacobs-Bond. Bond’s husband, Frank, died in 1895.  While on a trip to her hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin she wrote I Love You Read More

What is Tin Pan Alley?

Have you heard the term Tin Pan Alley but had no idea what it was? The term Tin Pan Alley refers to the songwriters and publishers of the late 19th and early 20th Century. These men were all based in New York City and were originally located at West 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Read More