Arlen and Harburg Over the Rainbow: A Musical Journey of Hope and Inspiration

Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg were two of the most brilliant and successful songwriters of the 20th century. Their songs have been sung by countless performers, from Judy Garland to Frank Sinatra, and have become part of the American cultural landscape. But behind the catchy melodies and clever lyrics lies a story of hope, inspiration, and the power of music to transform lives.

Arlen and Harburg's Over the Rainbow (Oxford Keynotes)

by Walter Frisch

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Early Years

Harold Arlen was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1905. He began playing the piano at an early age and by the time he was a teenager, he was writing his own songs. In 1925, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. E.Y. Harburg was born in New York City in 1896. He began writing lyrics as a teenager and published his first song in 1920. In 1929, he met Harold Arlen and the two men began a songwriting partnership that would last for over three decades.

The Hollywood Years

In the 1930s, Arlen and Harburg moved to Hollywood, where they wrote some of their most famous songs for MGM musicals. Their first big hit was "Over the Rainbow", which was featured in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The song became an instant classic and has since been covered by countless artists. Other notable songs from this period include "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "That's Amore", and "Get Happy".

The Broadway Years

In the 1940s, Arlen and Harburg wrote several successful Broadway musicals, including Bloomer Girl and Finian's Rainbow. Their songs from these musicals are among their most enduring and beloved, including "The Man That Got Away", "Look for the Rainbow", and "Old Devil Moon".

Personal Journeys

Beyond their professional accomplishments, Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg were also individuals with unique personal journeys. Arlen was a successful songwriter but also struggled with alcoholism and depression. Harburg was a passionate advocate for social justice and civil rights. His experiences as a Jewish immigrant in America shaped his worldview and his writing.

Legacy

Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg left behind a legacy of some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. Their music has brought joy, inspiration, and hope to countless people around the world. Their partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative power of music.

Oxford Keynotes

The Oxford Keynotes is a series of lectures given by leading scholars and practitioners in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Arlen and Harburg lecture, given in 2019 by Professor Steven Suskin, explores the lives and careers of these two extraordinary songwriters and the impact of their music on American culture. The lecture is available to watch online at the Oxford Keynotes website.

Arlen and Harburg Over the Rainbow is a captivating journey into the lives and work of two of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. Their story is one of hope, inspiration, and the power of music to transform lives. Their songs continue to be enjoyed and treasured by people all over the world.

Arlen and Harburg's Over the Rainbow (Oxford Keynotes)

by Walter Frisch

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE