Frank Loesser
Frank Henry Loesser was born on June 29, 1910, in Manhattan, New York City, to a family that valued high intellect and culture. Despite his family's musical background, Loesser was largely self-taught, preferring popular music over the classical training his father, a piano teacher, would have favored. His early career was marked by a variety of jobs, including stints as a restaurant reviewer and political cartoonist, before he found his calling as a lyricist.
Loesser's first song credit came in 1931, and he soon made a name for himself in Hollywood, writing lyrics for over 60 films. Some of his notable songs from this period include "I Don't Want to Walk Without You," "Two Sleepy People," and "Heart and Soul." His song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" won an Academy Award in 1948.
During World War II, Loesser served in Special Services, writing lyrics for army camp shows. His wartime hit, "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition," marked his debut as a composer. After the war, he transitioned to Broadway, where he achieved significant success. His musicals, including Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, are celebrated for their unique sound and style. The former won a Tony Award, while the latter earned a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Loesser's Broadway career was marked by versatility, with each of his five musicals having its own distinct style. He continued to work in Hollywood, contributing to films like Hans Christian Andersen. Frank Loesser passed away on July 28, 1969, in East Harlem, New York, leaving behind a legacy as one of Broadway's most versatile composers.
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