Questions and Answers
What is Tin Pan Alley?
A collection of New York City publishers and songwriters who dominated popular music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
What is the Great American Songbook?
A canon of the most important and influential American popular and jazz songs from the early 20th century.
Who wrote the songs 'Alexander's Ragtime Band,' 'Blue Skies,' and 'God Bless America'?
Irving Berlin
What is notable about Irving Berlin's career?
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What famous stage musical did Irving Berlin write?
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Who are the Gershwin brothers?
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Which Gershwin brother wrote the music and which wrote the lyrics?
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What are some songs written by the Gershwin brothers?
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Who is 'Fatz' Waller?
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A Broadway revue opened in 1978 that included many of _________'s most loved songs.
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What is a revue?
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Who wrote 'I Get a Kick Out of You' and 'I've Got You Under My Skin'?
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What is Cole Porter known for?
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Who composed music for over 500 songs including 'I've Got the World On A String'?
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Who is known as a lyricist, having written songs to music of Harold Arlen?
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Who wrote the scores to the musical 'Show Boat'?
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Study Notes
Tin Pan Alley
- Refers to the collective of New York City publishers and songwriters active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Originally a specific location on West 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue.
- A plaque commemorates this historical site, highlighting its significance in American music history.
The Great American Songbook
- Also known as "American Standards," representing a canon of important American popular and jazz songs from the early 20th century.
- Covers popular and enduring songs from the 1920s to the 1950s, created primarily for Broadway and Hollywood.
- Does not refer to a specific book or list, but rather a recognized compilation of influential songs.
Irving Berlin
- Acclaimed American composer and lyricist, lived to 101 years old.
- Authored an estimated 1500 songs, including "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Blue Skies," "God Bless America," "Puttin' On the Ritz," and "White Christmas."
- Created the famous stage musical "Annie Get Your Gun," noted for the iconic song "There's No Business Like Show Business."
The Gershwin Brothers
- George Gershwin composed music, while Ira Gershwin wrote lyrics.
- Notable for their contributions to 1920s music during The Jazz Age.
- Created famous songs such as "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Summertime," and "They Can't Take That Away from Me."
"Fatz" Waller
- Renowned black American jazz pianist and songwriter.
- Best known for songs like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose."
- The Broadway revue "Ain't Misbehavin'" opened in 1978, featuring many of his popular songs.
Revue Definition
- A theatrical entertainment featuring various songs and dances.
- Distinct from plays as it does not follow a narrative plot.
Cole Porter
- Composer and lyricist known for songs like "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."
- Recognized for musicals such as "Kiss Me Kate" and "Anything Goes."
- Known for witty lyrics with nuanced themes, including veiled homosexual subject matter.
Harold Arlen
- Composed over 500 songs including "I've Got the World On A String" and "Stormy Weather."
- Created the score for "The Wizard of Oz," enhancing the musical landscape of the time.
- Known for writing songs for shows highlighting black artists, such as "St. Louis Woman" and "House of Flowers."
Johnny Mercer
- Renowned lyricist, famous for collaborations with composer Harold Arlen.
- Written noteworthy songs like "Goody Goody," "Moon River," and "Too Marvelous For Words."
Jerome Kern
- Famous for scoring the musical "Show Boat," with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
- "Show Boat" introduced a serious narrative in musicals, debuting in 1927.
- Notable songs include "Bill," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," and "Ol' Man River."
- Other famous works include "All the Things You Are," "A Fine Romance," and "I'm Old Fashioned."
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Description
Test your knowledge of Tin Pan Alley and the American Songbook with these flashcards. Learn about key terms, influential songwriters, and historical significance of this rich era of American music. Perfect for music enthusiasts and students alike.
