Biography
American pop lyricist Mort Dixon, born in N.Y.C. in 1892, entered show business first as a vaudeville performer before writing the occasional Broadway or Hollywood score. Most of his output, however, consisted of standalone hits from the 1920s and ’30s. After serving in World War I he staged the revue Whiz Bang in France, then turned to songwriting a few years afterward. His debut published number, 1923’s “That Old Gang of Mine,” became a success, and the future Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee soon followed it with “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover,” “You’re My Everything,” “The Lady in Red,” and “Happiness Ahead.” Among his theater and film assignments were the 1930 Broadway revue Sweet and Low plus the pictures Flirtation Walk (1934), Sweet Music, and We’re in the Money (1935). His most frequent partners were Ray Henderson, Allie Wrubel, Harry Warren, Harry Woods, and lyricist Billy Rose.