Burton Lane, American composer and songwriter (b. 1912)
Burton Lane, born Burton Levy on February 2, 1912, and passing on January 5, 1997, was a highly influential American composer and lyricist. Renowned for his exceptional melodic gifts and sophisticated musical arrangements, Lane carved a distinguished career primarily across the realms of American musical theatre and Hollywood film scores.
His work consistently contributed to the Golden Age of Broadway and cinematic musicals, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music and earning him a lasting legacy.
Lane began his illustrious career at an remarkably young age, publishing his first song at just 17. He quickly established himself in Tin Pan Alley, the vibrant hub of American songwriting, collaborating with a multitude of prominent lyricists of his era including Harold Adamson, Frank Loesser, and Ralph Freed, among others.
His compositions were characterized by their enduring melodies, harmonic richness, and an innate understanding of dramatic storytelling through music. This versatile approach allowed him to transition seamlessly between the demands of live theatre and the broader canvas of motion pictures, creating scores that were both critically acclaimed and immensely popular.
Finian's Rainbow (1947)
One of Burton Lane's most celebrated and enduring achievements is the musical Finian's Rainbow, which premiered on Broadway in 1947. This groundbreaking work, with lyrics by the legendary E.Y. "Yip" Harburg and a book co-written by Harburg and Fred Saidy, quickly became a critical and commercial success. Its innovative blend of fantasy, pointed social commentary, and a score rich with Irish-American folk influences made it a unique and powerful production.
- Plot Overview: The whimsical yet poignant story follows an Irishman named Finian McLonergan who steals a pot of gold from a leprechaun and emigrates to the fictional state of Missitucky, believing that burying the gold near Fort Knox will make it multiply. The narrative deftly explores themes of racism, economic inequality, and the pursuit of dreams.
- Musical Highlights: The score features some of Lane's most beloved songs, including the enchanting "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?", the socially resonant "Old Devil Moon," and the playful "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love." These tunes became instant standards.
- Impact and Legacy: Finian's Rainbow was acclaimed for its daring tackling of serious themes wrapped in a whimsical, fantastical setting. It earned a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical, solidifying its place as a classic. It has seen numerous revivals and a notable 1968 film adaptation, starring Fred Astaire and Petula Clark, further cementing its cultural significance.
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1965)
Nearly two decades later, Burton Lane once again achieved significant Broadway success with On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, which debuted in 1965. For this sophisticated production, Lane collaborated with the eminent lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner, widely known for his work on iconic musicals like My Fair Lady and Camelot. This musical explored fascinating themes of reincarnation and extrasensory perception, presenting a sophisticated and emotionally complex narrative.
- Plot Overview: The story centers on Daisy Gamble, a quirky young woman who discovers she has ESP and, under hypnosis by a psychiatrist, begins to relive a past life as a sophisticated and adventurous 18th-century English aristocrat named Melinda Welles.
- Musical Highlights: The score is noted for its lush melodies and intricate lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of emotion. Key songs include the memorable title song "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," the heartfelt "Come Back to Me," and the witty "What Did I Have That I Don't Have?".
- Reception and Adaptations: The musical was praised for its ambitious concept and beautiful score. It was later adapted into a popular 1970 film starring the legendary Barbra Streisand and Yves Montand, which brought Lane's captivating melodies to an even wider global audience and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Streisand.
Beyond these two celebrated musicals, Burton Lane's extensive career also included contributions to over 30 films, often providing the music for Hollywood's biggest stars. His film credits include songs for movies like Dancing Lady (1933) starring Joan Crawford and a young Fred Astaire, and Royal Wedding (1951), also featuring Astaire, for which Lane composed "Too Late Now," an Academy Award-nominated song for Best Original Song. His compositions are often characterized by a distinctive blend of wit, romance, and an underlying musicality that made them instantly appealing and enduring.
Burton Lane's profound impact on American musical theatre and cinema is undeniable. His body of work continues to be performed and cherished, reflecting his unique ability to seamlessly blend popular appeal with musical sophistication, securing his legacy as a master composer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burton Lane
- Who was Burton Lane?
- Burton Lane (born Burton Levy) was an influential American composer and lyricist, best known for his significant contributions to Broadway musicals and Hollywood film scores from the 1930s through the 1960s. He created enduring melodies that became classics of American popular music.
- What are Burton Lane's most famous works?
- His two most iconic and successful musical theatre works are Finian's Rainbow (1947) and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1965). He also composed numerous songs for over 30 films, including notable hits like "Too Late Now" from Royal Wedding, which earned an Academy Award nomination.
- Who were Burton Lane's notable collaborators?
- Burton Lane frequently collaborated with highly regarded lyricists throughout his career. His most significant partnerships were with E.Y. "Yip" Harburg on Finian's Rainbow and with Alan Jay Lerner on On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He also worked with other prominent lyricists such as Frank Loesser, Harold Adamson, and Ralph Freed.
- What made Burton Lane's compositions unique?
- Lane's compositions were celebrated for their strong melodic lines, sophisticated harmonic structures, and their innate ability to perfectly capture the emotional and narrative nuances of a story. His versatility allowed him to create memorable songs that resonated deeply with audiences in both theatre and film, becoming timeless standards.