Cole Porter was an American composer and songwriter whose sophisticated, urbane style was a definitive contribution to the soundtrack of the early to mid-20th century. Born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana, Porter defied the conventional expectations of his wealthy, grandee family to pursue music. He found his stride while attending Yale University, where his talent for composing catchy tunes was evident, and he later honed his skills at Harvard Law School before switching to the school’s music program.

Porter's Broadway career took off in the 1920s and 1930s with hits like "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate," which won the first-ever Tony Award for Best Musical. His work was known for its wit, clever lyrical rhymes, and complex rhythms, which has endured in American culture. Notable songs like "Night and Day," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "Love for Sale" became standards, immortalizing his unique contribution to the Great American Songbook. Despite a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1937 which left him disabled and in chronic pain, Porter continued to compose until his death on October 15, 1964. The release titles such as the "Kiss Me, Kate (1987 Royal Shakespeare Company Cast Recording)" and "Cole Porter's The New Yorkers (2017 Encores! Cast Recording)" indicate posthumous revivals and tributes to his enduring work and legacy. Cole Porter's music remains a cornerstone of American theatre and popular song, with reinterpretations and recordings keeping his artistry alive for new generations.

Genres

Tin Pan Alley

Related Artists

George Gershwin

Irving Berlin

Richard Rodgers

Leonard Bernstein

Oscar Hammerstein II

Jerome Kern

Johnny Mercer

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Duke Ellington

Noel Coward

Latest Release

Night and Day

Cole Porter•

Pierre Génisson•

Bruno Fontaine

Single - Released August 23, 2024