Over The Rainbow Composer

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The magical journey of Harold Arlen, the musical genius behind one of the most iconic songs in American history, began in the humble streets of Buffalo, New York. Born Hyman Arluck in 1905, this extraordinary composer would go on to create melodies that would touch the hearts of millions, with “Over the Rainbow” standing as his most celebrated masterpiece.

The Early Musical Roots

Growing up in a Jewish household with his father serving as a cantor, Arlen’s musical talents emerged early. By the age of 9, he was taking private music lessons, and at 15, he had already dropped out of school to pursue his musical passions. His early bands, including the Snappy Trio and Buffalodians, were just the beginning of a remarkable musical journey that would revolutionize American popular music.

The Cotton Club and Musical Breakthrough

In the late 1920s, Arlen made his mark in New York City, collaborating with lyricist Ted Koehler to create songs performed at the legendary Cotton Club. His unique musical style blended various genres, producing hits like “Stormy Weather” and “I’ve Got the World on a String”. Ethel Waters’ performance of “Stormy Weather” catapulted Arlen into the national spotlight.

The Wizard of Oz and “Over the Rainbow”

Arlen’s most iconic moment came in 1938 when he was hired to compose music for The Wizard of Oz. The now-legendary story of “Over the Rainbow” is almost mythical - during a drive with his wife, the entire melody suddenly came to him. He quickly jotted it down, and with lyricist Yip Harburg, created a song that would become a timeless classic.

A Song That Transcended Time

“Over the Rainbow” wasn’t an immediate hit. Initially, some at MGM thought it was too sophisticated for Judy Garland. However, after advice from Ira Gershwin to play it with more rhythm, the song found its magic. It went on to win an Academy Award and was later declared the Number One Song of the Twentieth Century by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Collaborations and Legacy

Throughout his career, Arlen worked with legendary lyricists like Johnny Mercer and Ira Gershwin, creating numerous standards including:

• “That Old Black Magic”
• “Blues in the Night”
• “Come Rain or Come Shine”
• “Get Happy”

🎵 Note: Twelve of Arlen's songs are part of the Great American Songbook, cementing his place in musical history.

In 1996, the U.S. Postal Service honored Arlen with a commemorative stamp, recognizing his immense contribution to American music. Despite his incredible success, he remained somewhat of a mystery, never becoming a household name like some of his contemporaries.