Harold Arlen, Jewish-American composer (d. 1986)

Harold Arlen, born Hyman Arluck on February 15, 1905, in Buffalo, New York, emerged as one of America's most celebrated and influential composers of popular music. His prolific career, spanning several decades until his passing on April 23, 1986, saw him craft over 500 distinct musical pieces, many of which have achieved iconic status and worldwide recognition.

A Distinctive Musical Voice and Prolific Output

Arlen's unique compositional style often blended elements of jazz and blues with sophisticated melodic structures, setting him apart in the landscape of 20th-century popular music. Before becoming a renowned composer, Arlen honed his skills as a pianist and vocalist in various bands, performing in vaudeville and New York nightclubs, which deeply influenced his understanding of rhythm and popular appeal. His vast catalog includes songs for Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and standalone hits that continue to resonate with audiences globally.

The Enduring Legacy of The Wizard of Oz

Among his most celebrated achievements is the complete score for the beloved 1939 film classic, The Wizard of Oz. Collaborating with the brilliant lyricist Yip Harburg, Arlen created a magical soundtrack that perfectly encapsulated the film's whimsical narrative. The pinnacle of this collaboration, and arguably Arlen's most famous composition, is "Over the Rainbow." This poignant ballad, sung by Judy Garland, became an instant classic, capturing the hopes and dreams of a generation. Its profound impact was officially recognized when it was voted the 20th century's No. 1 song by both the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone. "Over the Rainbow" also earned Arlen and Harburg an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

A Pillar of the Great American Songbook

Beyond his work on The Wizard of Oz, Harold Arlen is universally acknowledged as a cornerstone contributor to the Great American Songbook. This revered collection encompasses the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, primarily composed between the 1920s and 1950s, representing a golden age of American songwriting. Arlen's sophisticated melodies and harmonies, coupled with the evocative lyrics of his collaborators, produced timeless standards that are continually reinterpreted by artists across genres, affirming his enduring influence on popular music, jazz, and American culture.

Other Iconic Compositions and Collaborations

Arlen's genius extended far beyond the yellow brick road. His collaborations with other legendary lyricists, such as Ted Koehler and Johnny Mercer, yielded an astonishing array of hits. With Ted Koehler, he created jazz standards like "Stormy Weather," a classic first popularized by Ethel Waters and later by Lena Horne, and "I've Got the World on a String," famously sung by Frank Sinatra. His partnership with Johnny Mercer produced beloved songs such as "Come Rain or Come Shine" from the musical St. Louis Woman, and "Blues in the Night." Other notable Arlen compositions include "Get Happy," "It's Only a Paper Moon," and songs from musicals like Bloomer Girl and House of Flowers, showcasing his versatility and mastery across different thematic and stylistic demands.

Enduring Influence on American Music

Harold Arlen's unparalleled ability to weave complex emotions into accessible, memorable melodies ensures his position as a titan of American music. His compositions have been recorded by countless artists, from jazz legends to pop icons, underscoring their timeless appeal and universal resonance. Arlen's legacy is not just in the sheer volume of his work, but in its profound emotional depth and harmonic innovation, continually inspiring new generations of musicians and listeners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harold Arlen

Who was Harold Arlen?
Harold Arlen was an American composer, born Hyman Arluck, known for writing over 500 popular songs, including the iconic score for The Wizard of Oz and timeless contributions to the Great American Songbook.
What are Harold Arlen's most famous songs?
His most renowned song is "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. Other famous compositions include "Stormy Weather," "I've Got the World on a String," "Get Happy," "Blues in the Night," and "Come Rain or Come Shine."
Who were Harold Arlen's main lyricist collaborators?
Arlen collaborated with several prominent lyricists, most notably Yip Harburg (for The Wizard of Oz), Ted Koehler (for songs like "Stormy Weather"), and Johnny Mercer (for hits like "Come Rain or Come Shine").
What is the Great American Songbook, and why is Arlen considered a contributor?
The Great American Songbook is a canon of the most influential and enduring American popular songs from the early to mid-20th century. Arlen is considered a major contributor due to his numerous classic compositions that exemplify the sophisticated melody, harmony, and lyrical quality characteristic of this era.
Did Harold Arlen win any awards?
Yes, Harold Arlen, along with Yip Harburg, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. "Over the Rainbow" was also voted the 20th century's No. 1 song by the RIAA and NEA.