Original songs
| Title | Written by | Originally by | Original date | Covered by |
| Give My Regards to Broadway | George M. Cohan | George M. Cohan | Covered by (53 artists) | |
| Harrigan | George M. Cohan | Billy Murray with Orchestra | June 20, 1907 | Covered by (14 artists) |
| I Guess I'll Have to Telegraph My Baby | George M. Cohan | Covered by (4 artists) | ||
| Mary's a Grand Old Name | George M. Cohan | Fay Templeton | Covered by (26 artists) |
- The grand old rag Murray, Billy. ...
- The belle of the barber's ball Murray, Billy, Jones, Ada. ...
- Harrigan medley Signor "Grinderino" ...
- Life's a funny proposition after all Cohan, George M. ...
- You won't do any business if you haven't got a band Cohan, George M. ...
- So long, Mary Morgan, Corinne, Haydn Quartet.
How many songs did George Cohan write?
Cohan wrote more than 50 shows and published more than 300 songs during his lifetime, including the standards " Over There ", " Give My Regards to Broadway ", " The Yankee Doodle Boy " and " You're a Grand Old Flag ". As a composer, he was one of the early members of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers ( ASCAP ).
What was George Cohan's first Broadway hit?
His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Johnny Jones, which introduced his tunes " Give My Regards to Broadway " and " The Yankee Doodle Boy ". Cohan became one of the leading Tin Pan Alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs noted for their catchy melodies and clever lyrics.
What songs did Allan Sherman sing with George Cohan?
Allan Sherman sang a parody-medley of three Cohan tunes on an early album: "Barry (That'll Be the Baby's Name)"; "H-o-r-o-w-i-t-z"; and "Get on the Garden Freeway" to the tune of "Mary's a Grand Old Name", " Harrigan " and "Give My Regards to Broadway", respectively.
Why did George M Cohan write over there?
George M. Cohan’s Music during the WWI Era. “Over There” was written by Cohan in 1917 on the day that the United States declared war with Germany (Morehouse 126). The lyrical content of the song was written with the purpose inspiring patriotism and encouraging the American youth to join the military to help in the war effort.
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What music did George Cohan write?
Cohan began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in his teens.
How many songs did George M Cohen write?
In his lifetime, Cohan published over 300 songs and created over 50 musicals!
What is George M. Cohan famous for?
Cohan, in full George Michael Cohan, (born July 3, 1878, Providence, R.I., U.S.—died Nov. 5, 1942, New York, N.Y.), American actor, popular songwriter, playwright, and producer especially of musical comedies, who became famous as the “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
For what song was George M. Cohan awarded a medal by Congress?
PRESIDENT PRESENTS MEDAL TO COHAN FOR 'OVER THERE' WAR SONG. PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TODAY PRESENTED A GOLD MEDAL TO GEORGE M. COHAN IN BELATED RECOGNITION OF COHAN'S SERVICES AS COMPOSER OF TWO PATRIOTIC SONGS DURING THE WORLD WAR, 'OVER THERE' AND 'THE GRAND OLD FLAG.
Who is the father of musical Theatre?
Jerome KernHe was the man who helped invent the modern musical play. VOICE ONE: Jerome Kern is often called the father of American musical theater. Kern is remembered for the hundreds of songs he wrote for musical plays and movies.
Who wrote the grand old flag?
George M. CohanYou're a Grand Old Flag / Lyricist
Who invented Broadway?
A Brief History of Broadway. In 1750, Thomas Kean and Walter Murray opened one of the first theatres in New York City on Nassau Street. It was large enough to hold 280 patrons and the actors performed Shakespearian plays and operatic theater.
What did George M. Cohan think of Yankee Doodle Dandy?
Well, George M. Cohan didn't give YANKEE DOODLE DANDY his approval. He told Warner that the only way the movie would pass muster is if his wife Agnes liked it.
How accurate is the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy?
Most of the basic facts portrayed in Yankee Doodle Dandy are accurate. He and his family really did travel and perform as The Four Cohans [bonus fact: little sister Josie Cohan is played by Jeanne Cagney, Jimmy's Cagney's real-life little sister].
What statue is in Times Square?
At the apex of the triangle defining the north end of Times Square, the massive statue of Father Francis Patrick Duffy (1871-1932) by Charles Keck (1875-1951) has stood sentinel since it was unveiled May 2, 1937.
What year did George M. Cohan get the Medal of Honor?
President Franklin D. Roosevelt awarded Cohan the medal on May 1, 1940.
Who choreographed Yankee Doodle Dandy?
Choreographer Johnny BoyleChoreographer Johnny Boyle broke his ankle rehearsing the opening song-and-dance number. This effectively scuttled the rest of his career. Joan Leslie portrays Mary Cohan, aging from 18 to 57 throughout proceedings. Leslie turned 17 during the production of the film.
How old was George M. Cohan when he died?
64 years (1878–1942)George M. Cohan / Age at death
What did George M. Cohan think of Yankee Doodle Dandy?
Well, George M. Cohan didn't give YANKEE DOODLE DANDY his approval. He told Warner that the only way the movie would pass muster is if his wife Agnes liked it.
Did George M Cohen have children?
Mary CohanGeorge M. Cohan Jr.Georgette CohanHelen CohanGeorge M. Cohan/Children
How old is George Cohen?
82 years (October 22, 1939)George Cohen / Age
What is George Cohan known for?
American songwriter, playwright, and producer George M. Cohan is best known for his theatrical productions. His persona was the epitome of what it meant to be a song-and-dance man. The majority of Cohan's…#N#Read Full Biography
Who sings Mary's Grand Old Name?
Mary's A Grand Old Name (from "Forty-Five Minutes From Broadway") feat. Bernadette Boerckel / The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
Who is the singer of "I Want to Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune"?
I Want to Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune feat. Walter B. Rogers
Who sang "Give my regards to Broadway"?
Give My Regards to Broadway (from Little Johnny Jones) feat. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
Who sings the song "The Eyes of Youth See the Truth"?
The Eyes of Youth See the Truth, song (from "The Cohan Review of 1918") feat. Bernadette Boerckel / The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
What is the George Cohan stamp?
The United States Postal Service issued a 15-cent commemorative stamp honoring Cohan on the anniversary of his centenary, July 3, 1978. The stamp depicts both the older Cohan and his younger self as a dancer, with the tag line "Yankee Doodle Dandy". It was designed by Jim Sharpe. On July 3, 2009, a bronze bust of Cohan, by artist Robert Shure, was unveiled at the corner of Wickenden and Governor Streets in Fox Point, Providence, a few blocks from his birthplace. The city renamed the corner the George M. Cohan Plaza and announced an annual George M. Cohan Award for Excellence in Art & Culture. The first award went to Curt Columbus, the artistic director of Trinity Repertory Company.
What Broadway shows did Cohan write?
Cohan shows included Little Johnny Jones (1904), Forty-five Minutes from Broadway (1905), George Washington, Jr. (1906), The Talk of New York and The Honeymooners (1907), Fifty Miles from Boston and The Yankee Prince (1908), Broadway Jones (1912), Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913), The American Idea, Get Rich Quick Wallingford, The Man Who Owns Broadway, Little Nellie Kelly, The Cohan Revue of 1916 (and 1918; co-written with Irving Berlin ), The Tavern (1920), The Rise of Rosie O'Reilly (1923, featuring a 13-year-old Ruby Keeler among the chorus girls), The Song and Dance Man (1923), Molly Malone, The Miracle Man, Hello Broadway, American Born (1925), The Baby Cyclone (1927, one of Spencer Tracy 's early breaks), Elmer the Great (1928, co-written with Ring Lardner ), and Pigeons and People (1933). At this point in his life, he walked in and out of retirement.
What was the name of the play that was adapted into a movie?
One of Cohan's most innovative plays was a dramatization of the mystery Seven Keys to Baldpate in 1913, which baffled some audiences and critics but became a hit. Cohan further adapted it as a film in 1917, and it was adapted for film six more times, as well as for TV and radio.
How many musicals did Cohan make?
From 1904 to 1920, Cohan created and produced over 50 musicals, plays and revues on Broadway together with his friend Sam H. Harris, including Give My Regards to Broadway and the successful Going Up in 1917, which became a smash hit in London the following year. His shows ran simultaneously in as many as five theatres.
How old was George Cohan when he started dancing?
Cohan started as a child performer at age 8 , first on the violin and then as a dancer.
What were the most popular songs of the Tin Pan Alley era?
His major hit songs included " You're a Grand Old Flag ," " Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway ," " Mary Is a Grand Old Name ," "The Warmest Baby in the Bunch," "Life's a Funny Proposition After All," "I Want To Hear a Yankee Doodle Tune," "You Won't Do Any Business if You Haven't Got a Band," "The Small Town Gal," "I'm Mighty Glad I'm Living, That's All," "That Haunting Melody," "Always Leave Them Laughing When You Say Goodbye", and America's most popular World War I song " Over There ", recorded by Nora Bayes and by Enrico Caruso, and others. The latter song reached such currency among troops and shipyard workers that a ship was named "Costigan" after Cohan's grandfather, Dennis Costigan. During the christening, "Over There" was played.
What was the first musical by Cohan?
In 1901 he wrote, directed and produced his first Broadway musical, The Governor's Son, for The Four Cohans. His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Johnny Jones, which introduced his tunes " Give My Regards to Broadway " and " The Yankee Doodle Boy ".
What was Cohan known for?
He was known for paying attention to the dramatic material between songs more than most other authors, and while other American composers adhered to models established by European operetta, Cohan’s use of vernacular language and working-class characters gave Broadway its first distinctively American musical shows.
Who was George Cohan?
George Michael Cohan (1878-1942) was an actor, playwright, singer, dancer, and songwriter. After starting with his family as a vaudeville performer, his 1904 musical Little Johnny Jones started his career creating shows on Broadway. He was known for paying attention to the dramatic material between songs more than most other authors, and while other American composers adhered to models established by European operetta, Cohan’s use of vernacular language and working-class characters gave Broadway its first distinctively American musical shows. His life story was depicted in the 1942 musical film Yankee Doodle Dandy. He died a few months after the movie premiered.
When did Cohan write "Their Hearts Are Over There"?
Cohan also wrote another song in 1918 titled “Their Hearts Are Over There.”. This song is more similar to “Over There” in title and content than “When You Come Back” (Reublin). However, it is similar to “When You Come Back” in the fact that neither song reached near the same level of acclaim that “Over There” did.
What was the name of the Broadway playwright who wrote war songs?
Known as “the man who owned Broadway” before the war, Cohan’s previous success as a playwright helped play into the popularity of his war songs. Cohan’s most famous songs during this time period were “Over There,” “When You Come Back” and “Their Hearts Are Over There.”.
When you come back by George Cohan?
When You Come Back by George M. Cohan; Ed and Cathy Ward Collection. In 1918, World War I was coming to a close and Cohan chose to focus on American families and the return of their loved ones who had gone off to war with Germany (Reublin ).
Who was George Cohan?
George M. Cohan was an early twentieth century playwright and songwriter who was responsible for the creation of multiple patriotic pieces of music during World War I. These songs were quite popular amongst the American people and ultimately led to Cohan receiving universal praise for his work. Known as “the man who owned Broadway” before the war, Cohan’s previous success as a playwright helped play into the popularity of his war songs. Cohan’s most famous songs during this time period were “Over There,” “When You Come Back” and “Their Hearts Are Over There.”
Who wrote the song "Over There"?
Over There by George M. Cohan; Irish Fest Collection. Of Cohan’s World War I era songs, “Over There” is universally regarded as his most famous work and is often referred to as the “greatest song of the First World War” (Morehouse 17). “Over There” was written by Cohan in 1917 on the day that the United States declared war with Germany ...
How old was George Cohan when he made the movie?
George M. Cohan was 64 , and had just a few weeks to live, when producers showed him the movie they'd made about his astonishingly productive life. Starring James Cagney, who went on to win the best actor Oscar for singing, hoofing and acting Cohan, the film was named after Cohan's signature song, "Yankee Doodle Dandy.".
How many shows did Cohan have?
He's widely considered the father of American musical comedy, with more than 50 shows to his credit. And unlike most of the singer-songwriters profiled in NPR's American Anthem series, he is remarkable not because he wrote one anthemic song, but because — with more than 300 tunes and a lot of flag-waving in those shows — he was what you might call an "anthem machine."
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
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Why did Cohan's little marching song sell millions of copies of sheet music?
Back when people still gathered around pianos in their parlors, that little marching song sold millions of copies of sheet music as it boosted morale during WWI. And though Cohan couldn't have known this on that radio broadcast, American doughboys would have it ringing in their ears as they headed back to Europe for World War II.
Where is the Cohan statue?
Few would argue with that. Which is why Cohan's statue — the only public statue of a theater performer in all of Manhattan — has stood for decades at the center of Times Square, forever giving Broadway his regards.
When did George M. open?
Very musical, very singable, very early-American kinds of songs.". But George M! opened in 1968 — an era of protest, not of smiles across white picket fences. The times they had a-changed, and Grey discovered the brassy patriotic tunes Cohan was best known for weren't landing the way they had for Cagney.
Where is the statue of George Cohan?
A statue of George M. Cohan, prolific Broadway composer and performer, stands in New York's Times Square. A statue of George M. Cohan, prolific Broadway composer and performer, stands in New York's Times Square. This story is part of American Anthem, a yearlong series on songs that rouse, unite, celebrate and call to action.
How many musicals did Cohan write?
Music machine! In his lifetime, Cohan published over 300 songs and created over 50 musicals!
Who is George Cohan?
Cohan, the man behind the tune that's as much a harbinger of summer as barbecues and fireworks? During his lifetime, Cohan wore many hats—songwriter, director, producer, actor, composer. Today he lives on through his multitude of artistic achievements.
What is the Cohan rule?
Now, the so-called “Cohan Rule” stipulates that if a taxpayer has not documented deductible expenses, he may make a reasonable estimate, provided that the expenses are legitimate. Academy Award-worthy —James Cagney won an Oscar for his performance in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), a biographical film about Cohan’s life.
How old was Cohan when he joined the Cohan family?
The life of a performer —Cohan received formal schooling until the age of eight, at which time he joined the Cohan Four, his family’s Vaudeville troupe (Vaudeville was a form of variety entertainment popular in the 1880s-1930s).
Where was Cohan born?
Although Cohan’s birth certificate says he was born July 3, 1878 in Rhode Island, his parents maintained that he was born one day later, making him a Fourth of July baby just like the “Yankee doodle boy” of his song.
When did Cohan die?
He died two years later in 1942. Bronze: Legacy —In 1959, Tony award-winning lyricist and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II organized a project to erect a bronze statue in Cohan’s honor in New York City’s Times Square. The statue's pedestal reads “Give my regards to Broadway.”.
What is the song "You're a Grand Old Flag"?
One of his most famous songs, now known as “You’re a Grand Old Flag ,” was originally titled “You’re a Grand Old Rag .”. Listen to Cohan’s 1906 recording. (link is external) on the Library of Congress’ website.
Overview
Early life
Cohan was born in 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island, to Irish Catholic parents. A baptismal certificate from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church (which gave the wrong first name for his mother) indicated that Cohan was born on July 3, but he and his family always insisted that he had been "born on the Fourth of July!" His parents were traveling vaudeville performers, and he joined them on stage …
Career
Cohan began writing original skits (over 150 of them) and songs for the family act in both vaudeville and minstrel shows while in his teens. Soon he was writing professionally, selling his first songs to a national publisher in 1893. In 1901 he wrote, directed and produced his first Broadway musical, The Governor's Son, for The Four Cohans. His first big Broadway hit in 1904 was the show Little Joh…
Legacy
Although Cohan mainly is remembered for his songs, he became an early pioneer in the development of the "book musical", using his engaging libretti to bridge the gaps between drama and music. More than three decades before Agnes de Mille choreographed Oklahoma!, Cohan used dance not merely as razzle-dazzle, but to advance the plot. Cohan's main characters were "average …
Personal life and death
From 1899 to 1907, Cohan was married to Ethel Levey (1881–1955; born Grace Ethelia Fowler ), a musical comedy actress and dancer. Levey and Cohan had a daughter, actress Georgette Cohan Souther Rowse (1900–1988). Levey joined the Four Cohans when Josie married, and she starred in Little Johnny Jones and other Cohan works. In 1907, Levey divorced Cohan on grounds of adultery.
In popular culture
• James Cagney played Cohan in the 1942 biopic Yankee Doodle Dandy and in the 1955 film The Seven Little Foys. Cagney won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Dandy.
• Mickey Rooney played Cohan in Mr. Broadway, a television special broadcast on May 11, 1957. The same month, Rooney released a 78 RPM record featuring Rooney singing Cohan's best-known song…
Gallery
• "Over There" sheet music cover (1917)
• Poster for Seven Keys to Baldpate (1917)
• Sheet music for Little Nellie Kelly (1922)
• Caricature by Ralph Barton, 1925
Further reading
• Cohan, George M.: Twenty Years on Broadway (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1924)
• Gilbert, Douglas: American Vaudeville. Its Life and Times (New York: Dover Publications, 1963)
• Jones, John Bush: Our Musicals, Ourselves. A Social History of the American Musical Theatre (Lebanon, NH: Brandeis University Press, 2003)