Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 27, 1902 in New York City, NY

Death

:

April 2, 1982 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Sam Coslow was an American composer, songwriter, and lyricist who was born on December 27, 1902, in New York City. He was the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Coslow started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Coslow attended New York University, where he studied law. However, his passion for music led him to drop out of law school and pursue a career in music. He started his career as a songwriter in the 1920s, writing songs for Broadway shows and popular singers of the time. One of Coslow's early successes was the song "Sing, You Sinners," which he co-wrote with W. Franke Harling. The song was featured in the 1930 film of the same name and became a hit. Coslow went on to write many more popular songs, including "Cocktails for Two," "My Old Flame," and "The Lady in Red." Coslow was known for his ability to write catchy melodies and clever lyrics. He often collaborated with other songwriters, including Arthur Johnston, Leo Robin, and Al Dubin. Together, they wrote many popular songs that became standards in the American songbook. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Coslow also composed music for films. He wrote the score for several films, including "The Big Broadcast" (1932), "College Humor" (1933), and "The Gay Divorcee" (1934). He also wrote songs for many other films, including "The Phantom President" (1932), "The Littlest Rebel" (1935), and "The Singing Kid" (1936). One of Coslow's most famous songs is "Cocktails for Two," which he co-wrote with Arthur Johnston. The song was first recorded by Duke Ellington in 1934 and became a hit. It has since been recorded by many other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. The song's catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a classic in the American songbook. Another one of Coslow's famous songs is "My Old Flame," which he co-wrote with Arthur Johnston. The song was first recorded by Mae West in 1934 and has since been recorded by many other artists, including Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, and Peggy Lee. The song's haunting melody and melancholy lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz musicians. Coslow's work as a composer and songwriter earned him many accolades throughout his career. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1981. In conclusion, Sam Coslow was a talented composer and songwriter who made significant contributions to the American songbook. His catchy melodies and clever lyrics have made his songs classics that are still enjoyed today. Coslow's work as a composer and songwriter will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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