Great American Songbook Foundation

09/06/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Songbook Hall of Fame inductee Ray Gilbert.

Born in Connecticut and raised in Chicago, Gilbert was an accomplished American lyricist whose work spanned film, popular music, and international musical styles. He is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to the Academy Award-winning song "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."

But Gilbert’s catalog extended far beyond that iconic song. His other credits include "You Belong to My Heart," "Sooner or Later," "Casey at the Bat," and the Andy Williams classic "...and Roses and Roses."

For more than a decade, Gilbert worked with Carmen Miranda, providing material for her films and live performances, including "Cuanto Le Gusta." Later, he was asked to write English lyrics for Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim’s "Dindi," beginning a collaboration that connected Gilbert with other Brazilian songwriters and helped fuel the bossa nova craze of the 1960s.

Throughout his career, Gilbert collaborated with artists and composers including Allie Wrubel, Lou Jacobs, and Hoagy Carmichael. His lyrics were brought to life by some of the greatest voices of the Songbook, including the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, and Ella Fitzgerald.

09/04/2026

Only four days until we celebrate Michael Feinstein’s birthday!

Every birthday deserves a great gift and Michael has made it easy for all of us to choose one…

Make a gift to the Songbook Foundation and support the work he began almost 20 years ago.

The celebration starts now! Honor Michael's birthday with an early gift to the Great American Songbook Foundation at TheSongbook.org/Donate.

09/02/2026

Did you know September is Save Your Photos Month?

While modern technology makes it easier than ever to save and share photos digitally, we are especially grateful to the artists, families, and collectors who preserved physical photographs through the years, and ultimately entrusted them to institutions like the Songbook Library & Archives. Because of their care, these images continue to illuminate the stories and special moments that shaped the Great American Songbook.

From family snapshots to behind-the-scenes moments at rehearsals, performances, and historic events, every saved image offers a glimpse into another time.

Photographs help us preserve stories, celebrate legacies, and pass the history of the Great American Songbook on to future generations.

This Save Your Photos Month, take a moment to celebrate the memories in your own collection and the stories they help preserve.

08/31/2026

Save the date!

On September 7, we'll celebrate Michael Feinstein's birthday with a special Day of Giving.

For decades, Michael has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Great American Songbook. This year, you can honor his birthday by helping continue that mission through a gift to the Great American Songbook Foundation.

Mark your calendar and celebrate with us on September 7.

TheSongbook.org/Donate

08/29/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday and remarkable legacy of Dinah Washington, the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Blues.”

Known for a voice and musical versatility that moved effortlessly across blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and pop, Washington became one of the most popular and influential recording artists of the 1950s. Her 1959 recording of “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” became a Top 10 hit and earned her a GRAMMY Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.

Washington died unexpectedly in 1963 at just 39 years old. Her impact, however, was felt well beyond her years. She was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Three of her recordings have also been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame: “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “Teach Me Tonight” and “Unforgettable.”

The Songbook Library & Archives is proud to preserve 43 of her orchestral arrangements as part of the Dinah Washington Collection, including “Drinking Again,” “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” and “Don’t Dream of Anybody.”

Join us in honoring the remarkable artistry and enduring legacy of the Queen of the Blues, Dinah Washington.

08/28/2026

On this day in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The landmark event was also filled with powerful music. Soprano Camilla Williams led the National Anthem, and legendary contralto Marian Anderson performed “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Odetta, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Eva Jessye Choir, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and many others also contributed their voices to the historic day.

It is even said that during the speech, Jackson called out, "Tell them about the dream," prompting King to set aside his prepared remarks and deliver the now-iconic "I have a dream" refrain.

Music, and the artists who shared it, played an important role in the March on Washington and throughout the Civil Rights Movement, giving voice to calls for justice, inspiring communities and helping carry the movement's message across generations.

On this historic day, we invite you to learn more about the important role music played in the Civil Rights Movement in our feature, "Music's Voice in the American Civil Rights Movement."

https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/the-songbook-blog-items/musics-voice-in-the-american-civil-rights-movement/

08/27/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday of comic actress and singer Martha Raye, born on this day in 1916.

From her beginnings performing alongside her vaudevillian parents to a remarkable six-decade career across film, theater and television, Raye brought her signature energy and comedic talent to audiences around the world. Her career also included countless performances for U.S. troops, volunteer service that earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1969.

To celebrate Martha, we’re sharing a piece from the Andy Williams Collection housed at the Songbook Library & Archives.

This medley was arranged by Johnny Mandel for Andy Williams and Martha Raye to perform on "The Andy Williams Show." Raye made several memorable guest appearances on the program throughout her career, and we are proud to showcase this arrangement created for one of those special performances.

Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Martha Raye!

08/26/2026

Yesterday was the birthday of Leonard Bernstein, one of the most prolific composers, conductors and musical figures of the 20th century.

Bernstein left his mark across the Great American Songbook, from his groundbreaking work on "West Side Story" to his collaborations with artists, composers and conductors who helped shape American music.

One of those collaborators was Irwin Kostal, who worked with Bernstein on several productions, including "West Side Story."

To mark Bernstein's birthday and his collaboration with Kostal, we're highlighting two pieces from the Irwin Kostal Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives, including a ticket to the final dress rehearsal of "Trouble in Tahiti / A Quiet Place" in Houston, Texas, in 1983 and an invitation to the cast party at the ("Not-So-Quiet-Place") Four Seasons Hotel.

A few fascinating snapshots of history celebrating the legacy of Leonard Bernstein.

08/25/2026

While we help to preserve the foundational era of popular music, we believe the American Songbook continues to be written. It’s often referred to as the soundtrack of our lives.

There is no better example of that than Dolly Parton. A gifted songwriter and iconic performer, Dolly created music that lasts because it tells stories that resonate with everyone. Her songs have become part of our shared cultural history, while her unique ability to connect with people reminds us that music can bring us together, even when there are things that divide us.

We are grateful for the music Dolly gave the world and for the lasting place she holds in the American Songbook.

Our founder, Michael Feinstein, had the opportunity to collaborate with Dolly Parton on his album "Gershwin Country." Celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy by listening to their beautiful rendition of "Love Is Here to Stay," or share your favorite Dolly song or memory in the comments below.

Listen now: https://youtu.be/uqQpdox7jnw?si=JcITnrriP-ZpZUsD

08/23/2026

Today we remember composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger and music director Ian Fraser on what would have been his 93rd birthday.

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Fraser earned 11 Emmy Awards from 32 nominations, making him one of the most-honored musicians in television history. His work included musical direction for numerous television specials and major awards shows, as well as collaborations with artists including Julie Andrews, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse.

Fraser also holds a special place in holiday music history. He served as musical director for Bing Crosby's final Christmas special, "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" (1977), making him the last person to conduct Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas." He also co-wrote "Peace on Earth," the counterpoint to "The Little Drummer Boy" performed by Crosby and David Bowie during their iconic duet.

To mark Fraser's birthday, revisit our episode of "In the Archives," featuring a closer look at his musical arrangements and the lasting impact of his work.

Explore the scores and stories behind the music of the talented arr...