Reviews
Gorney, wife of popular songwriter Jay Gorney (1896-1990), recounts the life and career of her husband, known for his song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" She describes his childhood in Russia, life in New York and Hollywood, career on Broadway, songs for films, and experience being blacklisted in the 1950s. Appendixes list his Broadway shows and songs, and film, radio, and television music., Jay Gorney was an exceptionally talented theatre composer and a wonderful human being. Jay's quintessential music to "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (the anthem of the Great Depression) inspired my father, Yip, to write as great a lyric. This book illuminates Jay's life and work., Jay lived in a life centered around art and ideals and his story is one that needs to be told. This book is wonderful!, I was privileged to know Jay Gorney and admire him personally, long before I read this unusually thoughtful biography that reflects on his richly varied career on Broadway and in Hollywood - as an important composer and songwriter as well as film producer. The author brings all the intimacy of her close relationship with the subject into this faceted portrait of a man whose decency always illuminated his work and whose integrity helped him to triumph over the blacklist., Jay Gorney gave America 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' and was blacklisted for his troubles. The depression, the blacklist, show business - it's all here in Sondra Gorney's loving Valentine to her late husband.
Synopsis
In January 2005 the Grammys announced their annual Hall of Fame inductees. Included on the list was Bing Crosby's 1932 recording of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," the anthem of the Great Depression. Jay Gorney, who composed the music for this enduring classic, will also be remembered for such standards as "Baby Take a Bow" (from the film Stand Up and Cheer), "You're My Thrill," and "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man?" Throughout his lifetime, Gorney wrote hundreds of popular songs for theater, film, and television. In addition to composing, Gorney also produced films and was a distinguished writer and teacher. Unfortunately, his career was brought to a halt in 1953 with his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, as he was blacklisted thereafter. This memoir by Jay's wife of more than 45 years chronicles the life of one of American music's most prolific and respected composers. From Gorney's childhood in Russia to his many stage and screen successes to his 1962 Tony Award, Brother Can You Spare a Dime? is a tribute to a man whose humanity, kindness, and courage triumphed over adversity. Contains more than 30 photos, including sheet music covers to some of Jay's greatest songs., This memoir of Jay Gorney by his wife of more than 45 years chronicles the life of one of American music's most prolific and respected composers. From Gorney's childhood in Russia to his many stage and screen successes, this book is a tribute to a man whose humanity, kindness, and courage triumphed over adversity., In January 2005 the Grammys announced their annual Hall of Fame inductees. Included on the list was Bing Crosby's 1932 recording of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," the anthem of the Great Depression. Jay Gorney, who composed the music for this enduring classic, will also be remembered for such standards as "Baby Take a Bow" (from the film Stand Up and Cheer ), "You're My Thrill," and "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man?" Throughout his lifetime, Gorney wrote hundreds of popular songs for theater, film, and television. In addition to composing, Gorney also produced films and was a distinguished writer and teacher. Unfortunately, his career was brought to a halt in 1953 with his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, as he was blacklisted thereafter. This memoir by Jay's wife of more than 45 years chronicles the life of one of American music's most prolific and respected composers. From Gorney's childhood in Russia to his many stage and screen successes to his 1962 Tony Award, Brother Can You Spare a Dime? is a tribute to a man whose humanity, kindness, and courage triumphed over adversity. Contains more than 30 photos, including sheet music covers to some of Jay's greatest songs.
