Died On This Date (March 11, 2011) Hugh Martin / Wrote “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

Hugh Martin
August 11, 1914 – March 11, 2011

Hugh Martin was a highly successful American theatrical and film composer and arranger.   Over the course of a career that spanned some 60 years, Martin wrote the music and in some cases the lyrics for such musicals as Make A Wish, High Spirits, and his most celebrated, Meet Me In St. Louis, in which Judy Garland sang his  “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”  He also worked as a vocal arranger on Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Sugar Babies, and Top Banana to name a few.  His film credits include Athena, The Girl Most Likely, and Best Foot Forward.  Hugh Martin was 96 when he passed away on March 11, 2011.

You can learn more about Hugh Martin by watching THIS INTERVIEW for the National Association of Music Merchants.



Died On This Date (August 23, 1990) David Rose / Wrote “The Stripper”

David Rose
June 15, 1910 – August 23, 1990

DavidRoseDavid Rose was a songwriter and composer best known for writing “The Stripper.”  Throughout his career, Rose wrote music for such television programs as Bonanza, the Red Skelton Show and Little House On The Prairie.  His television work earned him four Emmys.  He had a three-year marriage to singer Martha Raye and later, another three-year marriage to Judy Garland.  Written in 1958, “The Stripper” didn’t become a hit until it was featured in the 1962 film, Gypsy.  Instantly recognizable song eventually became synonomous with the art of stripping.  David Rose passed away at the age of 80.

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David Rose

Died On This Date (July 28, 2010) John Aylesworth / Co-Created “Hee Haw”

John Aylesworth
DOB Unknown – July 28, 2010

John Aylesworth was a television writer and producer who’s biggest mark on popular music came with the hit country music infused program, Hee Haw.  Aylesworth moved from Canada to the U.S. in the late ’50s and quickly found himself as a writer for the popular music program, Your Hit Parade.   He went on to write for other music programs like Hullabaloo and specials for Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Judy Garland, to name a few.  During the late ’60s, Aylesworth and partner, Frank Peppiatt developed a show that married the best elements of Laugh-In to those of The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hee Haw was born.   The show, hosted by Buck Owens and Roy Clark,went on to become one of the most popular programs for many years thanks to its down home humor and weekly performances by the biggest names in country music.   John Aylesworth was 81 when he died from complications of pneumonia on July 28, 2010.



Died On This Date (June 22, 1969) Judy Garland

Judy Garland
June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969

Judy Garland was a star of stage, screen and a record through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years.  Starting out on vaudeville with her sister act, The Gumm Sisters (she was born Francis Gumm), would go on to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, an Emmy and several Grammys.  Best known for her iconic role as Dorothy in 1939’s The Wizard Of Oz, Garland also wowed audiences with her standing-room-only concert performances.  She was considered by many to be the greatest female entertainer the US had ever produced.  Despite her years of success and respect, Garland lived in a personal hell, no thanks in part to studio executives who told her she was too fat or unattractive.  That lead to an addiction to weight loss pills and other drugs.  Garland also suffered through financial troubles, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes.  She reportedly attempted suicide on more than one occasion but finally succumbed to an accidental overdose of barbiturates on June 22, 1969, leaving behind two daughters, Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli, as well as son, Joey Luft.

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Judy At Carnegie Hall - Judy Garland

 

Died On This Date (October 15, 1964) Cole Porter / Iconic Composer & Lyricist

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.

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Cole Porter from Rare Piano Rolls - COLE PORTER