Fred Jay
Fred Jay, born Friedrich Alex Jacobson on July 27, 1914, in Linz, was an Austrian lyricist renowned for his contributions to the Schlager music genre. He was the creative force behind the lyrics for popular hits such as "Es fährt ein Zug nach Nirgendwo" by Christian Anders and "Ma Baker" and "Rasputin" by Boney M. Jay's parents were Jewish and originally from Berlin, but they were in Linz at the time of his birth. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was about two years old.
Jay pursued legal studies at the University of Vienna, where he also began his songwriting career. In 1935, he penned the song "Danke schön, es war bezaubernd," which gained popularity in Vienna after being recorded in 1937. He completed his law degree in 1937, earning a Doctor of Law degree.
Following the Anschluss in 1938, Jay fled to France, where he supported himself by playing the ukulele in Montmartre cabarets. In 1940, he emigrated to New York, where he worked for Voice of America and honed his skills in English songwriting. He married Mary Wulman, whose family had emigrated from Poland in 1939.
Jay's early compositions included collaborations with Irving Reid, and his work gained recognition in the UK with Lee Lawrence's recording of "The Things I Didn't Do" in 1954. His song "What Am I Living For?" became a hit in the US, covered by artists like Chuck Willis and Conway Twitty. Jay continued to write successful songs throughout his career, contributing to the international music scene until his passing on March 27, 1988, in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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