Role

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Composer

Genre

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Vocal

 

Harry Carroll was an American composer and songwriter who was born on November 28, 1892, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was the son of a vaudeville performer and grew up in a musical family. His father, James Carroll, was a well-known comedian and singer, and his mother, Lillian Shaw, was a pianist and singer. Carroll began his musical career as a pianist and composer for vaudeville shows. He worked with some of the biggest names in vaudeville, including Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, and Al Jolson. In 1914, he wrote his first hit song, "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," which was later used in the film "The Wizard of Oz." In 1915, Carroll moved to New York City and began working as a composer for Broadway shows. He wrote the music for several successful musicals, including "The Passing Show of 1918," "Oh, Look!," and "The Love Mill." In 1925, he wrote the music for the hit musical "Abie's Irish Rose," which became the longest-running play in Broadway history at the time. Carroll's most famous work is the song "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," which he wrote in 1928. The song was a huge hit and was recorded by many famous singers, including Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland. It has since become a classic of the American songbook. In addition to his work in musical theater, Carroll also wrote music for films. He wrote the score for several silent films, including "The Saphead" and "The Kid Brother." He also wrote the music for the 1930 film "Follow Thru," which was one of the first films to feature synchronized sound. Carroll continued to work as a composer and songwriter throughout his life. He wrote the music for several more Broadway shows, including "The Show Is On" and "The Laugh Parade." He also wrote the music for the 1940 film "Lillian Russell." Carroll died on December 26, 1962, in Beverly Hills, California. He was 70 years old. Despite his success as a composer and songwriter, Carroll is not as well-known today as some of his contemporaries. However, his music continues to be performed and recorded, and his contributions to American music are still appreciated by those who know his work.

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