Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 2, 1897 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

April 8, 1985 in New York City, NY

 

J. Fred Coots was a renowned American composer and songwriter who made significant contributions to the world of music during the early 20th century. He was born on May 2, 1897, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Coots began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and the violin. He showed a natural talent for music and quickly became proficient in both instruments. He attended New York University, where he studied music theory and composition. During his time at the university, he also played in various jazz bands and orchestras, which helped him gain practical experience in music performance. After completing his studies, Coots began his career as a composer and songwriter. He collaborated with several lyricists, including Haven Gillespie, Sam Lewis, and Roy Turk, to create some of the most popular songs of the time. His first major hit was "Margie," which he co-wrote with Benny Davis and Con Conrad in 1920. The song became an instant success and was covered by several artists, including Bing Crosby and Cab Calloway. Coots continued to produce hit songs throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Some of his most famous compositions include "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "You Go to My Head," "For All We Know," and "Love Letters." His songs were known for their catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, which made them popular with audiences of all ages. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Coots also composed music for films and Broadway shows. He wrote the music for several films, including "College Rhythm" (1934), "The Big Broadcast of 1936," and "The Singing Kid" (1936). He also composed the music for the Broadway musical "The Night Before Christmas" (1933), which was based on the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Coots' career was not without its challenges. In the 1940s, he faced legal battles over the copyright of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." He had sold the rights to the song to Leo Feist, a music publisher, but later claimed that he had been coerced into signing the contract. The case went to court, and Coots eventually won the rights to the song. Despite the challenges, Coots continued to produce music throughout his life. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, and his songs have been covered by countless artists over the years. His legacy as a composer and songwriter continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world. In conclusion, J. Fred Coots was a talented composer and songwriter who made significant contributions to the world of music during the early 20th century. His catchy melodies and memorable lyrics continue to be popular with audiences of all ages, and his legacy as a composer and songwriter continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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