Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 15, 1893 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

July 15, 1947 in Santa Monica, CA

 

Walter Donaldson was an American composer and songwriter who was born on February 15, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a piano tuner, and his mother was a singer. Donaldson began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. As a teenager, Donaldson began playing in local bands and performing in vaudeville shows. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music and eventually landed a job as a staff pianist for the music publisher Jerome H. Remick & Co. in New York City. Donaldson's first big hit as a songwriter came in 1918 with the song "My Blue Heaven," which he co-wrote with lyricist George Whiting. The song became a huge success and was recorded by many popular artists of the time, including Gene Austin and Paul Whiteman. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Donaldson continued to write hit songs, including "Carolina in the Morning," "Love Me or Leave Me," and "Makin' Whoopee." He also wrote music for several Broadway shows, including "Sweet and Low" and "Whoopee!" In addition to his work as a songwriter, Donaldson was also a talented pianist and bandleader. He formed his own band in the 1920s and performed regularly at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. He also appeared in several films, including "The Big Broadcast" and "The Singing Fool." Donaldson's music was known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. He was a master of the popular song form and wrote many memorable tunes that have become standards in the American songbook. His music was influenced by jazz and the popular music of the time, but he also had a unique style that set him apart from other composers of his era. One of Donaldson's most famous songs is "My Blue Heaven," which has become a classic of the American songbook. The song has been recorded by countless artists over the years and has been featured in several films and TV shows. It is a testament to Donaldson's talent as a songwriter that his music has endured for so long and continues to be loved by audiences today. Another of Donaldson's famous songs is "Love Me or Leave Me," which was written for the Broadway show "Whoopee!" The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. It is a powerful and emotional song that showcases Donaldson's ability to write music that speaks to the heart. Donaldson's music was also featured in several films, including "The Big Broadcast" and "The Singing Fool." His songs were often used to underscore dramatic moments in the films and added to the emotional impact of the scenes. In addition to his work as a composer and songwriter, Donaldson was also a philanthropist and supporter of the arts. He established the Walter Donaldson Foundation, which provides funding for music education and supports young musicians and composers. Donaldson passed away on July 15, 1947, at the age of 54. His music continues to be loved and celebrated by audiences around the world, and his legacy as one of the great composers of the American songbook lives on.

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