Ethel Merman was a staple on the Broadway stage and in Hollywood musicals during the Golden Age of musicals. She was a favorite with composer Cole Porter. Irving Berlin‘s There’s No Business Like Show Business became her signature song. Ethel Agnes Zimmermann was born on January 16, 1908 in Astoria, Queens, New York City. {She Read More
Broadway Players: Florenz Ziegfeld
If you’ve heard of the Ziegfeld follies than you at least have an idea of the man behind the famed group. He is considered to have “glorified of the American girl.” Florenz Edward Ziegfeld, Jr. was born on March 21, 1867 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Florenz and Rosalie Hez Ziegfeld. He Read More
Profile of a Composer: Cole Porter
Anyone that is a fan of Frank Sinatra or the music of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s will recognize songs by the talented composer and songwriter Cole Porter. His songs include I’ve Got You Under My Skin, I Get a Kick Out of You, You’re the Top, Night and Day, Begin the Beguine, Anything Goes, Read More
Profile of a Composer: Jerome Kern
Before Rodgers and Hammerstein changed the book of the musical theatre, Kern and Hammerstein created that book with the production of Show Boat. But, who was the Kern in the duo? Jerome David Kern was born on January 27, 1885 in New York to Henry and Fannie Kakeles Kern. From a young age, Kern is Read More
Profile of a Composer: Lorenz Hart
Before there was Rodgers and Hammerstein there was Rodgers and Hart. But, who is the Hart in Rodgers and Hart. The Hart is Lorenz Milton Hart. You’ve probably heard of some of the songs he wrote with Richard Rodgers. Songs such as Blue Moon, The Lady is a Tramp, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, My Funny Read More
Song Story: Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday may be one of the most sung songs in the world. Once a year each individual has a birthday and the song sung to them at least once, if not more. According to the 1998 Guinness World Record, this song is the most recognized song in the English Language. The melody to Read More
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
Debbie Reynolds
The death of Debbie Reynolds shocked the world last year. If you are a fan of musicals from the 1950s and 1960s, then Debbie Reynolds is well known to you. Mary Frances Reynolds was born on April 1, 1932 in El Paso, Texas. The was the daughter of Ray and Minnie Reynolds. Her family moved Read More
The Andrew Sisters
When you think of hits such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Cirbiribin, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time then the 1940s and the Andrews Sisters come to mind. But, who were the Andrew Sisters? The group consisted of three sisters LaVerne Sophia, Maxene Angelyn and Patricia 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