Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 3, 1908 in Antioch, CA

Death

:

February 25, 1964 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Johnny Burke was an American composer and lyricist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 3, 1908, in Antioch, California, Burke grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional musician, and his mother was a singer. Burke's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he began playing the piano at a young age. Burke's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he began composing his own music as a teenager. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied music and played in the school's orchestra. After graduating, Burke moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In New York, Burke began working as a staff writer for various music publishers. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer and lyricist, and his songs were recorded by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. One of Burke's most famous compositions is the song "Swinging on a Star," which he wrote with composer Jimmy Van Heusen. The song was featured in the 1944 film "Going My Way," and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. "Swinging on a Star" became a hit, and it has since been covered by numerous artists. Burke also wrote the lyrics for several other popular songs, including "Pennies from Heaven," "Moonlight Becomes You," and "Imagination." His songs were known for their clever lyrics and catchy melodies, and they became staples of the American songbook. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Burke also composed music for films and television shows. He wrote the score for the 1951 film "Here Comes the Groom," which starred Bing Crosby, and he composed the theme song for the television series "The Rifleman." Burke's contributions to the world of classical music were significant, and his work continues to be celebrated today. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, and his songs have been covered by countless artists over the years. Despite his success, Burke struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. He died on February 25, 1964, at the age of 55. Despite his untimely death, Burke's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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