Songwriter/composer Jimmy Van Heusen (born Edward Chester Babcock) is known for writing such standards as "Swinging on a Star," "All the Way," "Call Me Irresponsible," and "High Hopes" (all of which won Oscars). Van Heusen started out at age 15 playing piano at a music publishing house. Following studies in piano and voice at Syracuse University, Van Heusen began working as a radio announcer. He signed to Paramount in 1940 and went on to collaborate with such distinguished lyricists as Johnny Burke and Sammy Cohn. During WWII, Van Heusen was a part-time test pilot for Lockheed Aircraft. Much later in his career, he started his own music publishing company.
Jimmy Van Heusen
Active - 1940 - 1986 |
Born - Jan 26, 1913 |
Died - Feb 7, 1990 |
Genres - Comedy, Family & Personal Relationships, Musical
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