In the 1920s, some two dozen all Black musicals played on Broadway, gaining fame for such performers as Ethel Waters and Bill Robinson. Less well remembered are the Black composers and lyricists who provided the music for many of those shows—and for some Broadway hits with White stars. We will spotlight the life and careers of these creators and hear many of their songs for these shows, including “Ain't Misbehavin”, “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans”, “I'm Just Wild About Harry”, and what became the very soundtrack of the decade: “The Charleston”. But we'll also hear some lesser known, even forgotten, worthy tunes as well. The list of performers we will hear includes Al Jolson, Ella Fitzgerald, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and the Mills Brothers.

Cosponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason).

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dan Moskowitz is a magazine writer with an avocational interest in American popular music in general and Broadway musicals in particular. For the past decade he had led courses in that area at the OLLIs at George Mason and American Universities.

ABOUT OLLI MASON

OLLI Mason provides intellectual and cultural experiences to curious individuals. Learn more at OLLI.gmu.edu.

INVITE

This program is appropriate for ages 18+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button. A Zoom link will be emailed a day before start of each program.