Classically trained composers such as George Gershwin (1898-1937), Cole Porter (1891-1964) and Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) succeeded in elevating popular song to an art form. One that appealed to the masses, partly due to the simple melodies and rich harmonies that were ideally suited for many interpretations. On top of that, the clever and often witty lyrics and rhymes contributed to the popularity of the songs.
a tear and a smile
A composer that excelled in writing lyrics was Cole Porter – Hugo Claus even called him “the greatest poet ever”. In reality everyone knows Cole Porter. If not by name, then surely by his songs – for example the classic I’ve got you under my skin. And the list is endless: Porter wrote about a thousand songs. Each and every one a refined musical gem.
At a first glance, Porter's songs seem simple. But a deeper look reveals complex harmonies, rhythms and large intervals, technically challenging for the performers. Often his lyrics are autobiographical, and cover all aspects of love – from young love to bitter farewell. And in spite of a usually tragic undercurrent, Porter always finds a way to add some witticism. It does not come as a surprise that his motto was: “Have a smile on your face”.
musical scene to hit parade
Composers such as Gershwin and Rodgers often worked with a regular text writer. For more than 25 years, Rodgers formed a well-oiled duo with Lorenz Hart (1895-1943). Their fruitfull collaboration resulted in over 500 songs for film and theatre. Rodgers' love for musical was instilled in his childhood and he wrote his first songs while he was still a teenagers. He was barely 15 when he met Hart. The latter had a penchant for Shakespeare and a strong dislike for gratuitous song lyrics. Just like his contemporary Porter, he possessed a talent to weave poetry and everyday spoken language into literary gems. One of their greatest hits was My Funny Valentine, a tune from their famous musical Babes in arms, and an ode to love.
Characteristic for the American Songbook songs is the plethora of interpretations by famous artists. They brought the original songs to the big stage, adding brilliance with a band an extra vocalists. Just think of Louis Armstrong, who immortalized the song What a wonderful world. Or Ella Fitzgerald, whose version of Porter's Every Time We Say Goodbye to this day moves audiences around the world. Even French chansons made their way into the American hit parade: the showstopper Que reste-t-il de nos amours? from ‘Le Fou Chantant’ by Charles Trenet (1913-2001) was translated into English – I Wish You Love – and was covered by a large number of international artists.
