Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 21, 1879 in Richmond, VA

Death

:

October 14, 1930 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Henry Creamer was an American composer and lyricist who was born on June 21, 1879, in Richmond, Virginia. He was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in a religious household. Creamer showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He was largely self-taught and learned to play by ear. As a teenager, Creamer moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He worked odd jobs to support himself while he tried to break into the music industry. In 1900, he landed his first job as a songwriter for the music publisher, M. Witmark & Sons. Creamer quickly established himself as a talented lyricist and began collaborating with some of the top composers of the day. One of Creamer's early successes was the song "After the Ball," which he co-wrote with composer Charles K. Harris. The song was a huge hit and sold over two million copies of sheet music. It became one of the most popular songs of the era and helped establish Creamer as a major force in the music industry. Over the course of his career, Creamer wrote hundreds of songs, many of which became popular hits. He collaborated with some of the most famous composers of the day, including James P. Johnson, Turner Layton, and J. Fred Coots. Some of his most famous songs include "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans," "Dear Old Southland," and "If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)." Creamer was known for his ability to write catchy, memorable lyrics that captured the spirit of the times. He often wrote about love, romance, and the joys and sorrows of everyday life. His songs were popular with both black and white audiences and helped bridge the racial divide that existed in the music industry at the time. Creamer was also a pioneer in the field of musical theater. He wrote the lyrics for several Broadway shows, including "Hello, Paris!" and "The Belle of Bond Street." He also wrote the lyrics for the hit musical "Show Boat," which is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Despite his success, Creamer faced many challenges throughout his career. He struggled with alcoholism and often found it difficult to balance his personal life with his professional obligations. He also faced discrimination and racism in the music industry, which was largely dominated by white composers and publishers. Despite these challenges, Creamer continued to write and compose music throughout his life. He died on October 14, 1930, at the age of 51. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. In conclusion, Henry Creamer was a talented and prolific composer and lyricist who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He wrote hundreds of songs that became popular hits and helped bridge the racial divide in the music industry. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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