Unveiling the Genius of Jerome Kern: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia

In the realm of American musical theater, few composers have left an enduring legacy as profound as Jerome Kern. His melodies, characterized by their lyrical beauty, harmonic sophistication, and timeless appeal, have captivated generations of listeners worldwide. "The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia" by Thomas Hischak, a renowned authority on American popular music, offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the life and work of this musical icon.

Early Life and Influences

Jerome David Kern was born in New York City on January 27, 1885. His musical talents became evident at an early age, and he began formal piano lessons at the age of seven. Kern's early influences included the popular music of the day, as well as the classical works of composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Wagner. His formal education in music, however, was limited to a brief period of study at the New York College of Music.

The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia

by Thomas S. Hischak

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7875 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages

FREE

The Broadway Years

In 1904, Kern made his debut as a Broadway composer with the musical "The Red Feather." While this show was not a critical or commercial success, it marked the beginning of Kern's long and illustrious Broadway career. Over the next three decades, he wrote music for over forty Broadway productions, including some of the most beloved and enduring musicals of the American stage.

Some of Kern's most famous Broadway shows include:

* "Very Good Eddie" (1915) * "Oh, Boy!" (1917) * "Sally" (1920) * "Show Boat" (1927) * "Sweet Adeline" (1929) * "Music in the Air" (1932)

The Hollywood Years

In the late 1920s, Kern began working in Hollywood, where he composed songs for a number of classic films. These included "Swing Time" (1936),"You Were Never Lovelier" (1942),and "Cover Girl" (1944). Kern's Hollywood output is characterized by its sophistication, its use of lush orchestrations, and its ability to capture the essence of the silver screen.

Musical Style

Kern's music is renowned for its melodic beauty, harmonic sophistication, and timeless appeal. His melodies are often characterized by their flowing lines, their use of syncopation, and their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Kern's harmonies are lush and sophisticated, yet always accessible to the listener. His songs are also known for their memorable lyrics, often written by his long-time collaborators, Oscar Hammerstein II and P.G. Wodehouse.

Legacy and Impact

Jerome Kern's music has had a profound impact on American popular music and culture. His songs have been recorded by countless artists, from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, and his musicals continue to be performed around the world. Kern's music has also been used in films, television shows, and other media, ensuring its enduring legacy for generations to come.

"The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia"

Thomas Hischak's "The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia" is the definitive guide to the life and work of this musical legend. This comprehensive volume includes:

* A detailed biography of Kern, covering his early life, musical influences, and career milestones * A chronological listing of all of Kern's Broadway and Hollywood works, with synopses and cast listings * An alphabetical listing of all of Kern's songs, with lyrics and musical analysis * A filmography of all of Kern's Hollywood films * A discography of all of Kern's major recordings * An extensive bibliography of sources on Kern's life and work

"The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia" is an essential resource for anyone who loves Jerome Kern's music, American popular music, or the history of Broadway and Hollywood. Thomas Hischak's comprehensive and engaging text, combined with a wealth of illustrations and supplementary materials, makes this volume the ultimate guide to the life and work of one of the most important and influential composers of the twentieth century.

The Jerome Kern Encyclopedia

by Thomas S. Hischak

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7875 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages

FREE