Ralph Blane
Ralph Blane, born Ralph Uriah Hunsecker on July 26, 1914, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was a prominent American composer, lyricist, and performer best known for his work in musical theatre and film. He attended Tulsa Central High School and later studied music at Northwestern University and with Estelle Liebling in New York City. Blane began his career as a radio singer for NBC in the 1930s and appeared in Broadway productions such as "New Faces of 1936," "Hooray for What!" and "Louisiana Purchase."
In 1940, Blane formed a vocal quartet called "The Martins" with his friend Hugh Martin, performing on radio and in nightclubs. Blane and Martin became a successful songwriting team, creating music and lyrics for Broadway shows and MGM musicals. Their most famous works include songs from the 1944 film "Meet Me in St. Louis," such as "The Boy Next Door," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Trolley Song," the latter earning them an Academy Award nomination. They also received an Oscar nomination for "Pass That Peace Pipe" from the film "Good News."
Blane collaborated with other notable composers like Harry Warren, Harold Arlen, and Kay Thompson. His contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. He continued to perform and write music throughout his life, including singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" at Walt Disney World's Christmas Candlelight Processional in 1991.
Ralph Blane passed away on November 13, 1995, in his hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he is also buried. His legacy includes a rich catalog of American standards and contributions to the musical theatre and film industries.
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