Jimmy Van Heusen

Jimmy Van Heusen (2)

Jimmy Van Heusen (January 26, 1913 – February 6, 1990) was an American composer. He wrote songs for films, television, and theater, and won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song and an Emmy Award. Van Heusen composed songs for many popular singers, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

Early Life

Jimmy Van Heusen was born Edward Chester Babcock in Syracuse, New York. He began writing music while still in high school. He adopted the name "Jimmy Van Heusen" as a professional pseudonym, inspired by the famous shirt brand Van Heusen.

Career

Van Heusen's career took off in the 1930s when he started working with lyricist Eddie DeLange. Together, they wrote several hit songs, including "Darn That Dream" and "Heaven Can Wait." In the 1940s, Van Heusen began a long and fruitful collaboration with lyricist Johnny Burke. The duo wrote many songs for Bing Crosby, including "Swinging on a Star," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1944.

In the 1950s, Van Heusen teamed up with lyricist Sammy Cahn. This partnership produced some of Van Heusen's most famous works, including "All the Way," "High Hopes," and "Come Fly with Me," all of which were popularized by Frank Sinatra.

Awards and Honors

Van Heusen won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song:

• "Swinging on a Star" (1944) with Johnny Burke
• "All the Way" (1957) with Sammy Cahn
• "High Hopes" (1959) with Sammy Cahn
• "Call Me Irresponsible" (1963) with Sammy Cahn

He also won an Emmy Award for Best Musical Contribution in 1955 for the song "Love and Marriage," which became the theme song for the television show Married... with Children.

Personal Life

Van Heusen was known for his close friendship with Frank Sinatra, and he was a member of the Rat Pack. He never married but was known for his numerous romantic relationships. Van Heusen passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, in 1990.

Legacy

Jimmy Van Heusen's music continues to be celebrated for its melodic richness and emotional depth. His songs remain standards in the Great American Songbook and are frequently performed and recorded by contemporary artists.

Selected Works

• "Darn That Dream"
• "Heaven Can Wait"
• "Swinging on a Star"
• "All the Way"
• "High Hopes"
• "Come Fly with Me"
• "Call Me Irresponsible"
• "Love and Marriage"

See Also

• Frank Sinatra
• Bing Crosby
• Sammy Cahn
• Johnny Burke
• Academy Award for Best Original Song
• Emmy Award