Harrington Gibbs
Arthur Harrington Gibbs, born on December 25, 1895, in Savannah, Georgia, was a distinguished African-American musician, songwriter, and bandleader. Known also as A.H. Gibbs or A. Harrington Gibbs, he made significant contributions to the music world as a composer, conductor, and pianist. Educated in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Gibbs moved to New York in 1913, where he began his career as a pianist in dance orchestras. During World War I, he served in the Allied Expeditionary Force.
In 1923, Gibbs formed his own orchestra, Arthur Gibbs and His Gang, and recorded the first version of "The Charleston" on Victor Records. He was also credited with writing the music for the song "Runnin' Wild," famously performed by Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot." His orchestra toured Europe in 1929 and 1930, and he later performed as part of a two-piano team in nightclubs. Gibbs joined ASCAP in 1937, with other compositions including "Rocky Road," "How Can You Tell," "You Bet," and "I Got the Fever."
Arthur Harrington Gibbs passed away on March 17, 1956, in New York City and was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. His legacy lives on through his music and contributions to the jazz and dance music scenes.
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