Great American Lyricists
First of all, you should know that a Lyricist writes the words for songs. How many lyricists can you name? Who did write the words to that song you're singing? We dedicate this page to all of those forgotten men and women who gave us a way to remember the tunes. Lots of people can sing the chorus of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Harold Arlen wrote a catchy little song, but just try to imagine it without the words. Nice, but not much to hum about. Add E.Y. Harburg's words, though, and you've got a memorable piece of American musical history. (Of course, Judy Garland helped a little, but that's another topic and another page.)
Rodgers & Hammerstein weren't just two men who hammered out the music and words together. Rodgers wrote the music, Hammerstein the words. There were TWO Gershwins, one who wrote the music, and one who wrote the words. While most people usually remember the music-writers, some of the lyricists were actually more famous than their composers. Then there were Porter, Berlin, and Cohan, who wrote their own.
So, which did come first, the music or the words? The answer is: depends. Sometimes the composer had a tune, and he asked the lyricist for words. Sometimes it worked the other way around. Hart and Mercer usually wrote lyrics for music that had already been written. Berlin had it work both ways, and that's more often the case than not for most of the great songwriting teams.
Once again, the PBS Series, "The Great American Songbook", is a great place to start. Just click on the picture of George Gershwin, and you'll find yourself on the PBS site. That will give you enough information to help you find the DVD in your local library. You won't be sorry; and don't forget the popcorn.
Oh, I almost forgot . . . Mr. Words and Mr. Music, otherwise known as Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers. Great duo. Great songs. "Falling in Love with Love". "Manhattan". "Lover". "Spring is Here". The list seems to go on forever. Hope you can find them all!
Hollywood Bio Pics of American Lyricists
I'll See You in My Dreams (1951, Danny Thomas as Gus Kahn)
Words & Music (1948, Mickey Rooney as Lorenz Hart)
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942, James Cagney as George Cohan)
