Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

August 19, 1922 in Strasbourg, France

Death

:

November 22, 2002 in Brewster, NY

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Noel Regney was a French composer and songwriter who was born on August 19, 1922, in Strasbourg, France. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in music. From a young age, Regney showed a great interest in music and began playing the piano and violin at the age of six. Regney's musical talent was recognized early on, and he was sent to study at the Strasbourg Conservatory. He continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied composition with Olivier Messiaen and Nadia Boulanger. During this time, Regney also began to develop his skills as a songwriter, and he wrote his first song, "L'Amour et la Guerre," which was later recorded by Edith Piaf. In 1949, Regney moved to the United States, where he continued to pursue his career as a composer and songwriter. He settled in New York City and began working as a songwriter for various music publishers. During this time, Regney wrote songs for a number of popular singers, including Doris Day, Perry Como, and Bing Crosby. Regney's most famous composition is the Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which he wrote in 1962. The song was written during the height of the Cold War, and Regney was inspired to write it as a plea for peace. The song's lyrics tell the story of a shepherd boy who hears a message of peace from a star, and the song has become a beloved Christmas classic. In addition to "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Regney wrote a number of other popular songs, including "Rain, Rain, Go Away," "Dominique," and "The Happy Wanderer." He also wrote music for films and television shows, including the theme song for the television series "Flipper." Regney's music was known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, and his songs were often performed by some of the biggest names in music. His music was also popular in Europe, where he was known for his contributions to the French chanson tradition. Regney continued to write music throughout his life, and he remained active in the music industry until his death in 2002. His music continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world, and his legacy as a composer and songwriter lives on.

More....