George M. Cohan was born on Wickenden St. in Fox Point on July 3, 1878, and was baptized at St. Joseph’s Church on Hope St. He was an internationally recognized entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, director, and producer of Irish decent. Known as “the man who owned Broadway” in the decade before WWI, he is considered the father of the American musical comedy. Although he traveled far and wide he never forgot his Providence roots and his Irish relatives who continued to live here.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO MAKE COMMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: THE GEORGE M. COHAN COMMITTEE, c/o SY & JUDI DILL, 125 Governor St., Providence, RI 02906 (401) 351-9944, sdsydill@gmail.com Site last updated on July 7, 2009 |
George M. Cohan was America's first show business superstar, known coast to coast as a successful actor, singer, dancer, playwright, composer, librettist, director and producer. Once known as "The Man Who Owned Broadway," most of his work is forgotten today -- aside from a few of his songs and the film bio Yankee Doodle Dandy.
I had the opportunity to learn more about Cohan while cataloging his archive at the Museum of the City of New York in 2002. From variety and vaudeville through the first glory years of Broadway musical comedy, Cohan played a vital role in the development of this art form. I hope you find these pages an informative and enjoyable introduction to the life and career of this fascinating man.
John Kenrick
Webmaster - Musicals101.com
For a more complete picture of George M Cohan, please visit John Kendrick’s compilation at:
Note: The John Hay Library, Brown University, held an exhibit entitled "Broadway" from May - August, 2005. Included were some of the contributions of George M. Cohan. Please find link:
www.brown.edu/facilities/university_library/exhibits/broadway/
In addition there are 13 digitized titles of Cohan related sheet music in Brown University Library's digital collection "World War I Sheet Music". | ||||||
