American Songbook Blogs

January 26, 1913 – February 6, 1990  Jimmy Van Heusen was an American composer, lyricist and songwriter.  He wrote songs for films, television, and theater. He won an Emmy and four Academy Awards for Best Song. A prolific songwriter, some of Jimmy’s hits major contributions (often in collaboration with Eddie DeLange, Jimmy Burke, Sammy Cahn,  include “Swinging On A Star,” “All the Way,” “High Hopes,” “Call Me Irresponsible,” Love and Marriage,” “My Kind of Town,” Here’s That Rainy Day” among many, many others. Van Heusen composed over 1000 songs, of which 50 became standards. His songs are featured in over 580 films. Not too shabby!  Happy Birthday Jimmy!