2 3 Throwback Thursday and George M. Cohan | Ballet Webb

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Throwback Thursday and George M. Cohan

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!”
-          George M. Cohan

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