Harold Arlen

Harold Arlen (1905-86), American songwriter, arranger, and pianist, who wrote extensively for films and Broadway musicals. Born Hyman Arluck in Buffalo, New York, he began singing and playing the piano at an early age and by the age of 15 had begun a career as an entertainer. He later moved to New York City and, with the American lyricist Ted Koehler, wrote revues for the Cotton Club in Harlem. From this period comes his famed song “Stormy Weather” (1932). Among his many film scores, the best known is The Wizard of Oz (1939); it includes “Over the Rainbow,” written for the American singer Judy Garland.