Victor Young
Victor Young was born Albert Victor Young on August 8, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a renowned American composer, arranger, violinist, and conductor, whose career spanned from 1920 until his death in 1956. Young was classically educated in Poland, studying at the Warsaw Imperial Conservatory under the tutelage of Polish composer Roman Statkowski and pianist Isidor Philipp of the Paris Conservatory. His early career saw him perform as a concert violinist with the Warsaw Philharmonic.
After returning to the U.S. in 1920, Young worked in various musical roles, eventually moving to Hollywood in the mid-1930s where he became a significant figure in film scoring. His notable compositions include "When I Fall in Love," "Stella by Starlight," and "Around the World." Young's work earned him more than 20 Academy Award nominations, and he posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Music Score for "Around the World in 80 Days" in 1957.
Beyond film, Young contributed to radio, live theater, and popular music, and was known for his versatility and innovation. He passed away on November 10, 1956, in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to influence musicians today.