Ray Henderson
recorded
for Decca
in 1939 and RCA
Victor in 1951
~ original recording
not released
on vinyl
|
Ray Henderson, born Raymond Brost on December 1,
1896, in Buffalo, New York, was a prominent American composer known
for his contributions to the Great American Songbook. Henderson
initially studied at the Chicago Conservatory and began his career
as a pianist in vaudeville. He rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s
as part of the songwriting trio DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson, with
lyricists Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown. The trio was responsible for many popular hits of the era, including “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” They also contributed to Broadway musicals such as “Good News” and “Follow Thru.” After the group disbanded in 1931, Henderson continued to work successfully on Broadway and in Hollywood, creating music for films and stage productions. Notably, many of Henderson’s songs were later recorded by popular artists, including Perry Como, who helped keep his music in the public eye. Ray Henderson passed away on December 31, 1970, in Greenwich, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs that continue to be celebrated and performed. |
