Pioneering composer of musical theater, crafting iconic songs and scores that blended jazz, opera, and popular music, shaping the American musical landscape.
Jerome Kern, a name synonymous with American musical theatre, is renowned for crafting iconic scores that continue to captivate audiences to this day. With a repertoire of over 700 songs, Kern's work has become an integral part of the Great American Songbook, featuring timeless classics like "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
Kern was born on January 27, 1885, in New York City's brewery district to a Jewish German immigrant father, Henry Kern, and an American mother of Bohemian descent, Fannie Kern. Growing up on East 56th Street in Manhattan, Kern developed an early passion for music, which was encouraged by his parents.
Kern's career flourished through collaborations with leading librettists and lyricists of his era, including George Grossmith Jr., Guy Bolton, P. G. Wodehouse, Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, Dorothy Fields, Johnny Mercer, Ira Gershwin, and Yip Harburg. His innovative approach to musical theatre incorporated 44 dance rhythms, syncopation, and jazz progressions, elevating the genre and influencing generations of composers to come.
Kern's groundbreaking work on Show Boat (1927) revolutionized the musical format, integrating music with narrative to create a cohesive and engaging storyline. This masterpiece, alongside his numerous other works, has cemented Kern's status as one of the most influential American theatre composers of the 20th century.
Kern's music has transcended generations, with his songs being adapted by jazz musicians, featured in film and television soundtracks, and continues to inspire new generations of composers and performers.
Kern married Eva Leale in 1914, and the couple had one daughter, Betty Kern. He passed away on November 11, 1945, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the world of American musical theatre.
Jerome Kern's remarkable journey, marked by innovative collaborations, groundbreaking compositions, and a profound impact on American musical theatre, has solidified his position as one of the most important and enduring figures in the history of the genre.
Born in 1846
A successful cigar manufacturer and opera composer, he founded the Manhattan Opera Company, which rivaled the Metropolitan Opera, and wrote operas like "Nora" and "Dream City".
Born in 1902
Pioneering creator of iconic American musicals, blending music, dance, and drama to craft timeless classics like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music.
Born in 1895
Wrote witty, romantic, and poignant lyrics for Broadway musicals, collaborating with Richard Rodgers to create iconic shows like Oklahoma! and South Pacific. 42
Born in 1888
A legendary composer and pianist who wrote over 1,500 songs, including iconic American standards like "God Bless America" and "White Christmas", shaping the Great American Songbook.
Born in 1898
A renowned pianist and composer who blended jazz and classical music to create iconic works like "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris", leaving a lasting impact on American music.
Born in 1891
A legendary composer and songwriter behind timeless Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals, crafting witty, sophisticated, and romantic songs that have become jazz standards.
Born in 1918
A renowned musician who blended jazz, classical, and Broadway styles, creating iconic works like West Side Story, and inspiring generations with his charismatic performances and innovative compositions.
96 Years Old
A master of musical theater, crafting complex, witty, and emotionally charged songs and stories that continue to captivate audiences. Known for iconic shows like Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods.
