Harold Arlen

Harold Arlen, an American songwriting legend and the son of a cantor, developed an early fascination with ragtime. While performing vocals in his father's synagogue, he also played ragtime piano with local Buffalo ensembles and provided accompaniment for silent films. Following arrangements he created for the Buffalodians, Arlen relocated to New York, where his assignments encompassed charts for Fletcher Henderson and duties as a rehearsal pianist for both radio and theater productions. A vamp he worked out during practice later became the song "Get Happy," featuring lyrics by Ted Koehler. Arlen and Koehler collaborated on eight revues for the Cotton Club, one of which featured the anthem "Stormy Weather," introduced by Ethel Waters. Although Arlen shifted to Hollywood during the 1930s, he continued writing material for Broadway with additional lyricists such as Dorothy Fields, Leo Robin, Johnny Mercer, Yip Harburg, and Ira Gershwin alongside Koehler.

His catalog of enduring works encompasses songs for the films Take a Chance, Star-Spangled Rhythm, The Sky's the Limit, and, most memorably, The Wizard of Oz. He also supplied music for the stage productions Earl Carroll Vanities, Rhythm Mania, and St. Louis Woman. Among his unforgettable compositions stand "I've Got the World on a String," "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues," "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "It's Only a Paper Moon," and "Over the Rainbow." Jazz musicians and pop artists spanning a wide range have interpreted his material. Arlen himself issued occasional recordings as a performer, including collaborations with Duke Ellington and Barbra Streisand.