Jerome David Kern (January 27, 1885 – November 11, 1945) is regarded as one of the most influential American composers of musical theatre and popular music. Born in New York City, Kern started his career in Tin Pan Alley and London's West End, but he truly found his voice on Broadway, where his collaborations with lyricists like Oscar Hammerstein II would leave a lasting imprint on the world of musical theater. Notably, Kern's partnership with Hammerstein birthed "Show Boat" in 1927, a groundbreaking work that seamlessly blended operatic form with American musical theater, introducing timeless standards such as "Ol' Man River" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man."

Kern's melody-driven style set the standard for the American Songbook, with a prolific output that included over 700 songs and 100 complete scores for shows and films. His works have been continuously revived, reinterpreted, and celebrated long after his passing, as evident in releases like "Jerome Kern Goes To Hollywood," which showcases his influence in cinema, and collections like "I Got Love: Songs of Jerome Kern" that commemorate his enduring legacy. With a career that included two Academy Awards and countless other honors, Kern’s music continues to enchant new generations, earning him a rightful place as one of the cornerstones of American music.

Genres

Tin Pan Alley

Related Artists

Leonard Bernstein

George Gershwin

Irving Berlin

Cole Porter

Richard Rodgers

Kurt Weill

Duke Ellington

Johnny Mercer

Oscar Hammerstein II

Latest Release

Musicals: Les misérables, West Side Story, Candide, Camelot, Brigadoon, Gigi...

Cole Porter•

Jerome Kern•

Kurt Weill•

Leonard Bernstein•

Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

Album - 16 Tracks - Released August 18, 2024