Lyrical Satirical Harold Rome: A Biography of the Broadway Composer-Lyricist - Softcover

Zimmers, Tighe E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786470267 ISBN 13: 9780786470266

Publisher: McFarland & Co, 2013

Synopsis

Harold Rome was a composer and lyricist on Broadway, starting with Pins and Needles in 1937. His biggest hits included Call Me Mister, Wish You Were Here, Fanny, Destry Rides Again, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale and he continued on Broadway through 1965 with The Zulu and the Zayda. His early career, after two Yale degrees, featured songs of "social significance," lyrics for the common man filled with satire. His later works were songs well adapted to the book musicals of the day, and his words and music became more lyrical.

Rome worked with Moss Hart, George S. Kaufman, Jerome Weidman, Joshua Logan, David Merrick and others, and wrote songs for such stars as Pearl Bailey, Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak and Barbra Streisand (among many).

Politically involved, and left-wing, he attracted the attention of conservative organizations and the FBI. His song writing contributed to the home front efforts for World War II, as a civilian and then as a corporal in the Army. Showing yet another side, his paintings were critically praised and he amassed an impressive collection of African art.

About this title

About the Author

Tighe E. Zimmers has been researching and collecting memorabilia about American popular song composers for over two decades. A physician in Chicago, his previous writings include numerous articles on emergency medicine.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland & Co
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786470267
• ISBN 13: 9780786470266
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272