A Musical Tribute to Harry Warren: Who, When, and Where?
Harry Warren is one of those stars you hardly heard of, but you probably remember his songs without knowing they were his. Harry Warren was an American songwriter and one of the first to write for films. His real name was Salvatore Antonio Guaragna, and he lived from December 24th, 1893 to September 22nd, 1981. He was 87 years old at the time of his death.
To remember these great songs and the artist, there is an upcoming musical tribute. Here’s some history about Harry Warren.
Warren wrote over 800 songs and published over 500 of these songs. Some of his most popular songs include sweet melodious ballads and up-tempo anthems such as At Last, Lullaby of Broadway, I Only Have Eyes for You, You’ll Never Know, On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, We’re in the Money, 42nd Street, and That’s Amore. Warren songs have been used in over 300 films. 112 of these films were Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. Another 42 of his songs appeared on the top ten list of the radio show, Your Hit Parade. You might better recognize other hits like You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Jeepers Creepers, The Gold Diggers’ Song (We’re in the Money), That’s Amore, There Will Never Be Another You, and The More I See You.
If any of these songs strike your memory, rest assured several great singers know and love all his songs. Warren also collaborated with some of the greatest names like Johnny Mercer, Al Dubin, Mack Gordon, Billy Rose, Leo Robin, and Ira Gershwin.
As for his personal life, Warren was one of eleven children born to Italian immigrants. He grew up in Brooklynn, New York. Warren always had an interest in music and he taught himself how to play the accordion. He sang in the church choir and became a professional drummer by age 14. At age 16, he dropped out of high school to play in his godfather’s band in a traveling carnival.
Warren sang some songs that did not become Standards but were popular, regardless. A good example is his hit song Rose in the Rio Grande. Warren remained successful until rock became dominant in the music industry and his melodious songs took the backseat for a while. He was saddened by this but continued to write. Most of his last written songs did not get much attention compared to his major hits decades before.
The musical tribute to Harry Warren is our time to remember the great hits and their writer. With the promise to be amazing, the event will take place on October 27th, 2019. This Tribute Concert is brought to you by Lou Rago and The Italian American Human Relations Foundation of Chicago.
For tickets, please call (773) 276-7800.
Venue: Triton College Auditorium
2000 5th Ave.
River Grove, IL 60171
Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.
