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Composer

 

Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson were two of the most prominent composers of popular music during the early 20th century. Their contributions to the world of music have left an indelible mark on the industry, and their works continue to be celebrated and performed to this day. Gus Kahn was born on November 6, 1886, in Koblenz, Germany. His family immigrated to the United States when he was just four years old, settling in Chicago, Illinois. It was there that Kahn first developed an interest in music, and he began playing the piano at a young age. He attended high school in Chicago and went on to study at the University of Illinois. After completing his studies, Kahn began working as a lyricist, writing songs for various vaudeville acts and musical revues. He quickly gained a reputation for his clever and witty lyrics, and his songs were soon being performed by some of the biggest names in show business. In 1914, he teamed up with composer Egbert Van Alstyne to write the hit song "Memories," which became an instant classic. Over the next several years, Kahn continued to write hit songs, collaborating with some of the most talented composers of the day. He wrote the lyrics for such classics as "My Buddy," "It Had to Be You," and "Makin' Whoopee." His songs were performed by such legendary performers as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Sophie Tucker. Walter Donaldson was born on February 15, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended high school in Brooklyn and went on to study at the New York College of Music. After completing his studies, Donaldson began working as a pianist and composer, writing songs for various vaudeville acts and musical revues. He quickly gained a reputation for his catchy melodies and innovative arrangements, and his songs were soon being performed by some of the biggest names in show business. In 1915, he teamed up with lyricist Gus Kahn to write the hit song "Pretty Baby," which became an instant classic. Over the next several years, Donaldson continued to write hit songs, collaborating with some of the most talented lyricists of the day. He wrote the music for such classics as "Love Me or Leave Me," "My Blue Heaven," and "Yes Sir, That's My Baby." His songs were performed by such legendary performers as Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, and Ruth Etting. In 1925, Kahn and Donaldson teamed up to write the hit song "Carolina in the Morning," which became an instant classic. The song was performed by Al Jolson in the film "The Jolson Story" and has since been covered by countless artists. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Kahn and Donaldson continued to write hit songs, collaborating on such classics as "Love Me or Leave Me," "My Baby Just Cares for Me," and "Makin' Whoopee." Their songs were performed by some of the biggest names in show business, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. In addition to their work as songwriters, Kahn and Donaldson were also successful performers in their own right. They often performed together, with Kahn singing and Donaldson accompanying him on the piano. They also appeared in several films, including "The Big Broadcast" and "The Singing Fool." Despite their success, Kahn and Donaldson faced many challenges throughout their careers. They often struggled to get their songs published and were frequently forced to sell the rights to their compositions for a fraction of their true value.

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