Arlen and Harburg: Over the Rainbow Oxford Keynotes

Arlen and Harburg's Over the Rainbow (Oxford Keynotes)

by Walter Frisch

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg were a songwriting duo who wrote some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, including "Over the Rainbow," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead." Their songs have been performed by countless artists, from Judy Garland to Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra. Arlen and Harburg's music has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and The Harvey Girls.

Early Lives and Careers

Harold Arlen was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1905. He began playing the piano at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was writing his own songs. Arlen dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, and he soon found work as a pianist in local clubs. In 1929, Arlen moved to New York City, where he began writing songs for Broadway musicals. He had his first hit in 1930 with the song "Get Happy," which was featured in the musical The Little Show.

E.Y. Harburg was born in New York City in 1896. He began writing poetry at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was publishing his work in literary magazines. Harburg dropped out of college to pursue a career in writing, and he soon found work as a lyricist for Broadway musicals. He had his first hit in 1921 with the song "April Showers," which was featured in the musical Ziegfeld Follies of 1921.

Partnership and Success

Arlen and Harburg met in 1932, and they soon began writing songs together. Their first hit was the song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," which was featured in the musical revue Americana. The song became a anthem of the Great Depression, and it helped to establish Arlen and Harburg as one of the leading songwriting duos of the era.

Arlen and Harburg continued to write hit songs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. They wrote the songs for the Broadway musicals The Wizard of Oz (1939),Meet Me in St. Louis (1944),and Bloomer Girl (1944). They also wrote the songs for the films The Wizard of Oz (1939),Babes in Arms (1939),and Cabin in the Sky (1943). Arlen and Harburg's songs were known for their catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and emotional depth.

Later Years and Legacy

Arlen and Harburg continued to write songs until the late 1950s. They wrote the songs for the Broadway musical Jamaica (1957),and they also wrote the songs for the film The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956). Arlen died in 1986, and Harburg died in 1981. Arlen and Harburg were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, and they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

Arlen and Harburg's songs have had a lasting impact on popular culture. Their songs have been performed by countless artists, and they have been featured in numerous films and television shows. Arlen and Harburg's songs are a testament to their talent and their love of music.

Selected Songs by Arlen and Harburg

• "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"
• "Over the Rainbow"
• "The Wizard of Oz"
• "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead"
• "Get Happy"
• "April Showers"
• "Cabin in the Sky"
• "The Best Things in Life Are Free"

Awards and Honors

• Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Over the Rainbow")
• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• Songwriters Hall of Fame
• American Theatre Hall of Fame

Arlen and Harburg's Over the Rainbow (Oxford Keynotes)

by Walter Frisch

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE