Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 2, 1912 in New York City, NY

Death

:

January 5, 1997 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Burton Lane was an American composer and songwriter who was born on February 2, 1912, in New York City. He was the son of Jewish immigrants, and his father was a tailor. Lane showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He attended the Professional Children's School in New York City, where he studied music and drama. Lane's first professional job in the music industry was as a rehearsal pianist for the Broadway musical "Earl Carroll's Vanities" in 1928. He went on to work as a composer and songwriter for a number of Broadway shows, including "On Your Toes" (1936), "Babes in Arms" (1937), and "Finian's Rainbow" (1947). One of Lane's most famous compositions is the song "Old Devil Moon" from "Finian's Rainbow." The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mel Tormé. Another popular Lane composition is "How About You?" from the 1941 film "Babes on Broadway." The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Lane's music was known for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics. He often collaborated with lyricist E.Y. Harburg, and the two created some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. In addition to his work in the theater, Lane also wrote music for films, including "Royal Wedding" (1951) and "The Girl Most Likely" (1958). Despite his success as a composer, Lane struggled with personal issues throughout his life. He was married three times and had a reputation for being difficult to work with. He also battled alcoholism and depression, which affected his ability to work on new projects. Lane died on January 5, 1997, at the age of 84. Despite his personal struggles, he left behind a legacy of memorable music that continues to be celebrated today. His compositions have been performed by some of the greatest musicians of all time, and his influence can be heard in the work of contemporary composers and songwriters. In conclusion, Burton Lane was a talented composer and songwriter who made a significant contribution to the world of music. His catchy melodies and clever lyrics continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through his many compositions. Despite his personal struggles, Lane remained dedicated to his craft and left behind a body of work that will be remembered for generations to come.

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