Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 9, 1891 in Peru, IN

Death

:

October 15, 1964 in Santa Monica, CA

 

Cole Porter was an American composer and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest contributors to the American musical theater. Born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana, Porter was the only child of a wealthy family. His mother was a talented pianist, and his father was a successful lawyer who encouraged his son's musical interests. Porter began studying piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended Yale University, where he studied music and wrote songs for the school's musical productions. After graduating in 1913, Porter moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In 1916, Porter wrote his first Broadway musical, "See America First," which was not a commercial success. However, he continued to write songs and eventually found success with the song "I Love You" in 1919. This song was featured in the musical "Hitchy-Koo," which was a hit on Broadway. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Porter wrote many successful musicals, including "Paris," "The New Yorkers," and "Anything Goes." His music was known for its clever lyrics and catchy melodies, and he became one of the most popular composers of his time. One of Porter's most famous songs is "Night and Day," which was written for the 1932 musical "Gay Divorce." The song became a huge hit and has since been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Another one of Porter's most famous works is the musical "Kiss Me, Kate," which premiered on Broadway in 1948. The show was a huge success and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The score included songs such as "So in Love" and "Too Darn Hot," which have become standards in the American songbook. Porter's music was also featured in many Hollywood films, including "High Society" and "Can-Can." He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "True Love" from the film "High Society." Despite his success, Porter's personal life was not without its struggles. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was not widely accepted, and he suffered from chronic pain after a horseback riding accident in 1937. However, he continued to write music and remained a beloved figure in the world of musical theater. Cole Porter died on October 15, 1964, at the age of 73. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest composers of the American musical theater, and his contributions to the genre will always be celebrated.

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