Cole Porter was born on this date in 1891 to great wealth. His father did not want him to be a composer, his mother did. Cole left home and went to Yale where he began composing tunes for the college musicals.
Eventually, he made it to Broadway and became a major success worldwide. He wrote shows for Ethel Merman, Bert Lahr, Bob Hope and even Mary Martin and Sophie Tucker. He wrote a movie score (High Society) for Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, winning an Oscar for the song "True Love".
Being a gay man, Cole's marriage to Linda Porter was a sham though they were completely devoted to each other. In addition to his millions from his family and the millions he made from his music, Linda was also a very wealthy women in her own right. They lived in the elegant Waldorf Towers throughout their lives.
One interesting fact about Cole: while he could play the piano and create songs by playing them, he couldn't really read or write down his music. He always had a musical secretary! I'm certainly glad somebody wrote it all down so we can have it for eternity. Cole is probably the most urbane and sophisticated composer-lyricist of the 20th Century. I still sing his songs even now. Everyone should!!
Eventually, he made it to Broadway and became a major success worldwide. He wrote shows for Ethel Merman, Bert Lahr, Bob Hope and even Mary Martin and Sophie Tucker. He wrote a movie score (High Society) for Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, winning an Oscar for the song "True Love".
Being a gay man, Cole's marriage to Linda Porter was a sham though they were completely devoted to each other. In addition to his millions from his family and the millions he made from his music, Linda was also a very wealthy women in her own right. They lived in the elegant Waldorf Towers throughout their lives.
One interesting fact about Cole: while he could play the piano and create songs by playing them, he couldn't really read or write down his music. He always had a musical secretary! I'm certainly glad somebody wrote it all down so we can have it for eternity. Cole is probably the most urbane and sophisticated composer-lyricist of the 20th Century. I still sing his songs even now. Everyone should!!
2 comments:
I'm shocked! I thought Cole Porter was black.
Thanks! We both did Cole Porter, but with very different takes.
That is why I love your blog.
Stephen
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