Buffalo gave the world Harold Arlen — now it’s time for the city to embrace his legacy as a cornerstone of its cultural renaissance.
When Buffalo marked the 120th birthday of Harold Arlen in February of 2025 at Kleinhans Music Hall, audiences were reminded of something remarkable: one of the greatest composers in American history was born right here in Buffalo.
Harold Arlen, born Hyman Arluck in 1905, grew up the son of a cantor on Buffalo’s East Side. From those early roots came an artist whose music would define the sound of an era. His songs — Over the Rainbow, Stormy Weather, That Old Black Magic, Blues in the Night, and Come Rain or Come Shine — remain among the most enduring works in the Great American Songbook.
Arlen’s genius lies in his emotional range. His melodies balance hope and heartbreak, faith and uncertainty — qualities that mirror the American experience itself. Few composers could convey such profound feelings in such elegant simplicity. His work transcended boundaries, influencing Broadway, Hollywood, and jazz musicians across generations, inspiring generations of performers from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra to contemporary artists today.
Despite his international renown, Arlen’s connection to Buffalo has too often gone uncelebrated. For a city proud of its cultural heritage, he represents a legacy worthy of full recognition. Cities like New Orleans and Memphis have built entire cultural identities around their musical icons. Buffalo has one in Harold Arlen. Imagine a permanent annual celebration of Arlen’s music and performances dedicated to the Great American Songbook.
That recognition is growing. The Harold Arlen 120th Birthday Celebration at Kleinhans Music Hall in February of this year brought together outstanding artists (Pete Malinverni, Anaïs Reno, and Julie Kurtzman) to honor his music and its place in Buffalo’s story. The celebration will continue on Sunday, February 15, when the acclaimed jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton, joined by the award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman, returns to Buffalo for a special concert dedicated to Arlen’s timeless work.
As Buffalo continues to revitalize its downtown and cultural institutions, honoring Arlen’s legacy offers a path forward — one rooted in creativity, expression, and community pride. His music reminds us that Buffalo has always been a place where art and heart intersect, and where dreams can indeed rise “over the rainbow.”
Join us on Sunday, February 15th, at 3 pm at Kleinhans Music Hall. Reserve your seats today:
