Arlen, Harold (1905-1986), was an American composer who wrote hundreds of popular songs. Arlen wrote music for both Broadway shows and motion pictures. He won an Academy Award for his song “Over the Rainbow” from the classic American movie musical The Wizard of Oz (1939). He also composed the film’s other songs. Arlen worked with several of the leading lyric writers in popular music history, including Johnny Mercer, Ted Koehler, E. Y. Harburg, and Ira Gershwin.
Arlen was born in Buffalo, New York, on Feb.15, 1905. His real name was Hyman Arluck. He began his theatrical career as a singer and pianist. Arlen first gained notice as a composer for his contributions to a series of revues during the early 1930’s. His first hit song was “Get Happy” (1929). His other hits for Broadway shows included “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” (1931), “I’ve Got the World on a String” (1932), and “Stormy Weather” (1933).
Beginning in 1934, Arlen wrote songs for movie musicals. Except for The Wizard of Oz, none of the musicals were distinguished, but many of his songs have become standards. Among them are “Let’s Fall in Love” (1934), “Blues in the Night” (1941), “That Old Black Magic” (1943), “One for My Baby” (1944), “Hooray for Love” (1948), and “The Man That Got Away” (1954).
Some of Arlen’s Broadway shows achieved moderate commercial success. They were Bloomer Girl (1944), St. Louis Woman (1946), House of Flowers (1954), Jamaica (1957), and Saratoga (1959). Arlen died on April 23, 1986.
