Celebrating Harold Arlen and Buffalo’s Musical Legacy
When people think of Harold Arlen, their minds often go directly to the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This iconic song, immortalized by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, is a crowning jewel of the Great American Songbook. Yet, what many may not realize is that Arlen’s genius extended far beyond Oz. Born in Buffalo in 1905, Harold Arlen remains one of the city’s most famous sons, and his legacy as a composer of groundbreaking music continues to inspire generations.
As we celebrate the 120th birthday of Harold Arlen, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the breadth of his remarkable contributions to American music. His catalog is filled with songs that shaped the golden age of jazz, Broadway, and Hollywood—some of which you may not even know was his.
The Unmistakable Genius of Harold Arlen
1. “Blues in the Night”
Written for the 1941 film of the same name, this haunting tune captures the melancholy of heartbreak with unparalleled depth. The song became an instant classic, covered by artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Johnny Mercer (who penned the lyrics). Amazingly, Arlen and Mercer wrote the entire score for the movie.
2. “Stormy Weather”
This soulful masterpiece, first performed by Ethel Waters at the Cotton Club in 1933 and recorded with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, has become synonymous with torch songs. Lena Horne’s rendition elevated it to legendary status, and it remains a favorite among jazz vocalists.
3. “Come Rain or Come Shine”
With lyrics by Johnny Mercer, this tender ballad debuted in the 1946 Broadway musical St. Louis Woman. It has since become a jazz standard, recorded by everyone from Billie Holiday to Ray Charles.
4. “That Old Black Magic”
Arlen’s knack for infusing jazz sensibilities into popular songs is evident in this lively number, which also features Johnny Mercer’s playful lyrics. This song remains a staple for big band and swing enthusiasts. The song was written for the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm and was nominated for Best Original Song in the 1943 Academy Awards.
5. “Get Happy”
Written for the 1930 musical The Nine-Fifteen Revue, this uplifting tune became a signature song for Judy Garland, who sang the song in the 1950 film Summer Stock, ten-plus years after she sang “Over the Rainbow.”
6. “I’ve Got the World on a String”
Premiered by Cab Calloway in 1932 at the Cotton Club series and later popularized by Frank Sinatra, this song exemplifies Arlen’s ability to create joyful, optimistic melodies that resonate across decades. The song helped catapult the comeback of Frank Sinatra in 1953 when he recorded the signature song with Nelson Riddle for Capitol Records.
The complete list of Harold Arlen compositions is quite extensive. These six, however, stand out as the most familiar, and to many, a surprise they were composed by Harold Arlen.
A Celebration of Buffalo’s Favorite Son
It’s no surprise that Buffalo takes immense pride in Harold Arlen, a composer whose music helped define an era. Born Hyman Arluck, the son of a cantor, Arlen grew up steeped in the traditions of Jewish liturgical music. This influence, combined with his love for jazz and popular music, made him a uniquely versatile composer.
On Sunday, February 16, at 3 pm, Buffalo will honor this musical giant with a special event: “Over the Rainbow: 120th Birthday Celebration of Harold Arlen” at Kleinhans Music Hall in the Mary Seaton Room.
This one-of-a-kind concert will feature a stellar lineup:
- Anaïs Reno is a rising star in jazz and one of today’s most promising interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
- Pete Malinverni is an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist whose artistry perfectly complements Arlen’s compositions.
- Julie Kurtzman is a renowned violinist who will bring a unique depth to Arlen’s melodies.
Together, they will bring to life not only Arlen’s famous works but also the lesser-known gems that deserve the spotlight.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’re a lifelong Harold Arlen fan or someone new to his music, this concert promises to be a memorable experience. It’s a rare opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of a composer whose music has shaped American culture—and to do so in the city, Buffalo, where it all began.
Reserve Your Seats
Join us for this extraordinary celebration of Buffalo’s musical heritage. Tickets are available now for the Over the Rainbow: 120th Birthday Celebration of Harold Arlen on Sunday, February 16, at 3 pm, in the intimate setting of the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Reserve your seats today and experience the magic of Harold Arlen’s music like never before. Let’s honor this Buffalo-born legend and his timeless contributions to the Great American Songbook.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Over the Rainbow
Let’s celebrate the brilliance of Harold Arlen—beyond the rainbow and into the heart of his extraordinary legacy.
