Buddy DeSylva
George Gard "Buddy" DeSylva (January 27, 1895 – July 11, 1950) was a notable American songwriter, film producer, and record executive. Born in New York City and raised in California, DeSylva attended the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. His father, Aloysius J. De Sylva, also known as actor Hal De Forrest, was of multiracial ancestry and had changed his surname to De Sylva to pass as white. His mother, Georgetta Miles Gard, was the daughter of Los Angeles police chief George E. Gard.
DeSylva's career in music began with his first successful songs being used by Al Jolson in the 1918 Broadway production of "Sinbad." He later collaborated with composer George Gershwin on several projects, including the jazz opera "Blue Monday." In 1925, DeSylva formed a successful songwriting team with Lew Brown and Ray Henderson, producing numerous hits and the Broadway favorite "Good News."
Throughout his career, DeSylva wrote many popular songs such as "April Showers," "Button Up Your Overcoat," "Look for the Silver Lining," and "California, Here I Come." He was involved in Broadway musicals like "La La Lucille," "Bombo," and "George White's Scandals." In addition to his songwriting, DeSylva served on the ASCAP board of directors and ventured into film production, working with Fox Studios and later becoming an executive producer at Paramount Pictures.
DeSylva was instrumental in founding Capitol Records in 1942 alongside Johnny Mercer and Glenn Wallichs. His contributions to music and film were recognized in the film "The Best Things in Life Are Free," which depicted his life and career. DeSylva passed away in Hollywood, California, at the age of 55.
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