Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Modern

Genre

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Vocal

 

Jaan Kenbrovin, also known as John Kellette, was a prolific composer of popular music during the early 20th century. He was born on March 15, 1882, in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their son's musical talents from a young age. Kenbrovin began his musical career as a pianist, playing in vaudeville shows and accompanying silent films. He soon turned his attention to composing, and his first published song, "I'm Going to Marry Mary," was released in 1904. Over the next few years, he wrote a number of popular songs, including "I Love You Truly" and "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree." In 1914, Kenbrovin teamed up with lyricist Albert von Tilzer to write "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," which became one of the most popular and enduring songs in American history. The song was originally written as a tribute to baseball, but it quickly became associated with other sports and was played at countless sporting events over the years. Kenbrovin continued to write popular songs throughout the 1910s and 1920s, including "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," "When You Wore a Tulip," and "Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet." He also wrote music for several Broadway shows, including "The Passing Show of 1918" and "The Greenwich Village Follies." In addition to his work as a composer, Kenbrovin was also a successful music publisher. He founded his own publishing company, Kenbrovin Music, in 1919, and went on to publish many of his own songs as well as those of other composers. Kenbrovin's music was known for its catchy melodies and sentimental lyrics, and it was popular with audiences of all ages. His songs were often performed by popular singers of the day, including Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, and Rudy Vallee. Despite his success as a composer, Kenbrovin remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He once said, "I don't think I'm a great composer, but I do think I'm a good one. I try to write music that people will enjoy and remember." Kenbrovin continued to write music throughout his life, and he passed away on December 22, 1952, in New York City. His legacy lives on through his many popular songs, which continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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