Throwback Thursday and George M. Cohan
George M. Cohan claimed he was born on the fourth of July
1878 (he wasn’t). He became one of the most versatile performers the U.S. has
ever seen. Although he called himself
“just a song and dance man”, he was a dancer, playwright, producer, comedian, theater
owner and songwriter who gave us the greatest song of World War II: Over
There!, for which he received a Congressional Medal of Honor from President
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
George M. Cohan began his career during his childhood,
performing in his family’s act called The
Four Cohans, and for many years was known simply as a talented vaudeville
performer. But he surprised everyone by becoming a serious actor and dramatist
as well as a composer. He wrote more than fifty plays and hundreds of songs.
Two of his most famous songs are: Give My
Regards to Broadway, and I'm a Yankee
Doodle Dandy.
George M. Cohan became a rich man through his numerous
enterprises, and was well known for his generosity – some say he was the most
generous man of his time. In private life he was soft-spoken, unlike the
wise-cracking characters he often portrayed onstage.
When he died in November 1942, hundreds of condolences were received
by his family, including this one from President Roosevelt:
"A
beloved figure is lost to our national life in the passing of your devoted
husband. He will be mourned by millions whose lives were brightened and whose
burdens were eased by his genius as a fun maker and as a dispeller of gloom. My
heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family."
George M. Cohan’s life was immortalized in the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy, starring James
Cagney.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #65:
“George M. Cohan was one of the most famous song and dance men in
history.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“Ladies and gentlemen, my mother thanks
you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you!”
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