Friday, March 11, 2011

Composer Hugh Martin Dies at 96

Lyricist Hugh Martin, who collaborated with Ralph Blane composing the songs for the classic 1944 musical MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, has passed away at the age of 96.

Martin died today in Encinitas, California.

Martin and Blane were nominated for the Oscar for "The Trolley Song." Their compositions for MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS also included "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which has become one of the great Christmas standards.

Martin and Blane also wrote the songs for Broadway's BEST FOOT FORWARD, which became an MGM musical in 1943.

Martin and Blane teamed with Roger Edens on the rousing "Pass That Peace Pipe," which provided Joan McCracken with one of the highlights of MGM's GOOD NEWS (1947).

Last fall Martin published his autobiography, HUGH MARTIN: THE BOY NEXT DOOR.

Martin's official website has posted an obituary.

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS is one of my top three all-time favorite films, which I've seen countless times. I owe a great debt to Hugh Martin for his role in creating such a very special movie and its unforgettable score.

March 12th Update: The Los Angeles Times has now posted a complete obituary.

3 Comments:

Blogger The Lady Eve said...

NPR's "Fresh Air" aired 2 earlier interviews with Martin, one from 1989 with both Martin and his songwriting partner Ralph Blaine - and another from 2006 with just Martin (Blaine had passed away). Really fascinating and insightful conversations and insight into the back story on some of their greatest & most beloved songs...
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/18/131412133/the-story-behind-have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas

10:42 PM  
Blogger Laura said...

Thank you so much for sharing that info, Eve!!

Best wishes,
Laura

9:53 AM  
Blogger mel said...

Many thanks for the NPR link, Eve.

A complete list of Hugh Martin's songs can be seen at the useful and informative Songwriters' Hall Of Fame:

http://songwritershalloffame.org/songs/detailed/C223

9:03 PM  

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