Cole Porter
June 9, 1891 – October 15, 1964
Cole Porter was on of America’s most beloved composers and lyricists. His popular scores include Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes while his iconic catalog of songs includes “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Night and Day,” and “I Get a Kick Out of You.” The greatest stars in the world have performed his songs on stage and screen. That list includes Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Although he suffered many ailments through the latter part of his life, it was kidney failure that finally took his life at the age of 73.
What You Should Own
My third cousin died 45 years ago; I wonder sometimes whether the rest of us on this Earth will be remembered so fondly for so long. I attended Cole’s sparsely-attended funeral, and tend the beautiful flowers at his grave. Cole’s music is more popular and prolific today than when he lived. Surely he’s on a puffy cloud somewhere chuckling as we all collect and play his myriad songs.
Rest in peace, Dear Cole
What a very nice thing for Joey to say about her family. We are all just so moved by his music. It is so hard to believe that one person wrote all of the songs that he did. I wouldn’t know if we hear his music more now than when he lived, but it continues to be played, hummed, sung by so many people all of the time. It is a pick-me-up to hum, whistle, or sing one of his songs when it comes to mind.
We should consider ourselves so lucky to be the recipient of his work.
I am a docent at the Cole Porter Birthplace in Peru, IN. I am amazed that people from all over the US come to our little town specifically to see where Cole Porter lived. His music is universal, enjoyed by all ages. It is neat to have music classes from the local schools and see how interested the students are in Cole. The creativity and artistry of Cole may be over but the music lives on!
Cole Porter was the greatest American songwriter – a genius whose work has moved and delighted (and continues to move and delight) millions of people around the world. He was incredibly prolific, and I believe the greatest of his songs are true American art songs. The European composers of art song — Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Faure, Vaughn Williams, etc. — set others’ lyrics to music. Cole Porter wrote the music and the lyrics. It’s a joy and a privilege to sing his music. I agree with Joey — he’s on that puffy cloud, sipping champagne perhaps, and probably writing more songs!
Having grown up in Peru, Indiana, I knew Cole’s music because our wonderful music teacher Jim Noble made sure that we performed his songs at each of our choir and band concerts. I clearly remember the day in 1964 when Cole died; the principal announced his passing on the intercom at Peru High School. I sensed the import of losing such a special man.
Three years later when I was a high school senior, I had the honor of receiving the first Cole Porter Fine Arts Scholarship. Established by James O. and Alice Cole, the parents of Joey Cole Kubesch (see above), this scholarship allowed me to go to college to study music. That was in 1967. All these years later, I am still so grateful to Cole and his music, as well as to Joey and her family, for launching my career as a music educator.
Currently, I am Professor of Music Education at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music……in so many ways, Cole’s legacy lives on.
As the Archivist at the Miami County Museum in Cole Porter’s hometown, I meet many of those who journey to Peru, Indiana to walk where he walked and feel the atmosphere of his childhood. There is a reverence and passion about what they feel for Cole and his works that is still very alive today. These people come from all walks of life and from all over the world. It is a privilege to meet so many of his devoted fans.
I am a huge fan of Cole’s music; so, when the renovation of Cole’s Birthplace began, naturally I volunteered my painting skills. Somehow I just had to repay Cole for all the pleasure his wonderful music has brought to me. Many months were spent all alone in COLE’s Birthplace painting away while Cole’s music played on my CD player. This is when I realized the depth of his genius.
Cole’s songs get in your head and will not leave.
Thank you, Cole Porter, for enriching my life so much; I listen to your works daily.
As someone we all know would say :
Cole: “You’re The Top” !
In 1948 Cole Porter wrote a movie musical “The Pirate” for producer Arthur Freed and stars Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Gene came to Cole during the shooting to ask for a special song that would give him play for the athleticism of his dancing. Cole wrote “Be A Clown” for Gene. It was a show-stopper. In 1949 the Music/Scoring was nominated for an Oscar. In 1952 the glorious “Singing in the Rain” was made, once again pairing star Kelly with producer Freed. The record indicates that “Only two songs were written especially for the film: ‘Moses Supposes’ was written by Roger Edens, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green; ‘Make Em Laugh’ was written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown especially for Donald O’Connor.” Actually, Make Em Laugh is note for note and thought for thought Cole’s Be A Clown—uncredited. As fate would have it, Cole’s mentor and great friend Irving Berlin was visiting the set the day that number was shot. Legend has it he roared the house down. Then he headed off to find Cole and get him to do something about it. When Irving found Cole and spewed, Cole laughed. That was his only response.
Cole Porter had so many songs in him, what difference if somebody stole this one. There’d be another ten along in a minute.
I’ve always thought this incident said everything anyone ever needed to know about the great Cole Porter.
I have loved the music of Cole Porter since i was in my pre-teens, and heard them on recordings that my parents had, of course havng my favorites, listening to Ella Fitzgerald sing them,
I could not possibly guess how much these songs would enhance my life so many years later.
I met Mark Nadler and Kt Sullivan at a cabaret performance doing the works of another well loved song writerin a show called ALWAYS– The love Story of Irving Berlin.
I was SO enthralled by Mark and his just incredible ability to magnetize an audience playing the music, with his own arrangements brilliantly, and bettr than anyone i have ever heard, and with Kt, singing it with both heartfully and joyously.
Mark and I became and still are very good friends and with him , I produced another show in Phildelphia called ” A SWELL PARTY-RSVP COLE PORTER”,where Mark and KT just entrance and enthrall with close to twenty five Cole Porter favorites.
The show was so successful that Mark and I went on to produce this entire show as a cd album,
which is now going to be reprinted,for the third time, making 3 thousand copies, and is available on Mark’s website http://www.MarkNadler,com, for Cole porter fans looking for a new variation. i met Joey Kubesch, cousin to Cole Porter, and along with Joey and her friends, as well as many “Hollywood-ites” was fortunate enough to watch as Mark Nadler became the first person allowed to play the piano, on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame,in truehomage, while Cole Porter was having his long overdue STAR PLACEMENT.
The Joy of all this isunforgettable and just beyond description!!
Thank You Cole Porter for your music and it’s joy that has enriched so many many lives!!!!!!!