# Harold Arlen

> American composer of popular music (1905-1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q448644](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448644)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Arlen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harold-arlen

## Summary
Harold Arlen was an American composer of popular music (1905–1986), known for his contributions to film scores, jazz, and Broadway musicals. He collaborated with lyricist Yip Harburg to create iconic songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "The Man That Got Away," which remain staples of American music.

## Biography
- Born: February 15, 1905, in New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Studied at the Juilliard School of Music
- Known for: Composing film scores, jazz standards, and Broadway musicals
- Employer(s): Columbia Records, Sony Music Entertainment
- Field(s): Music composition, film scoring, songwriting

## Contributions
- Composed the score for the film *The Wizard of Oz* (1939), including the song "Over the Rainbow," which became one of the most recognizable pieces of film music.
- Wrote the song "The Man That Got Away" (1938), a jazz standard that remains popular in jazz and pop music.
- Collaborated with Yip Harburg on numerous Broadway musicals, including *Finian's Rainbow* (1947) and *Happy Birthday* (1946).
- Composed film scores for *The Great Ziegfeld* (1936) and *The Gay Divorcee* (1934), contributing to the golden age of Hollywood musicals.
- Worked with Columbia Records, where he signed and produced iconic artists and albums, including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Bruce Springsteen.

## FAQs
**What is Harold Arlen known for?**
Harold Arlen is known for composing film scores, jazz standards, and Broadway musicals. His most famous work is "Over the Rainbow," from *The Wizard of Oz*, which remains a cultural touchstone.

**Where did Harold Arlen study?**
Harold Arlen studied at the Juilliard School of Music, where he honed his skills in music composition and performance.

**Who were Harold Arlen's collaborators?**
Harold Arlen frequently collaborated with lyricist Yip Harburg, creating iconic songs like "The Man That Got Away" and "Over the Rainbow."

**What awards did Harold Arlen receive?**
Harold Arlen received the Grammy Trustees Award and the Academy Award for Best Original Song for his contributions to music.

**Where did Harold Arlen work?**
Harold Arlen worked with Columbia Records, where he signed and produced notable artists and albums, including Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

## Why They Matter
Harold Arlen's work shaped the landscape of American popular music, particularly through his contributions to film scores and jazz. Songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "The Man That Got Away" have endured for decades, influencing generations of musicians and composers. His collaborations with Yip Harburg and his work with Columbia Records further cemented his legacy in the music industry. Arlen's compositions continue to be performed and celebrated, ensuring his place in musical history.

## Notable For
- Composed "Over the Rainbow," one of the most iconic songs in film history.
- Collaborated with Yip Harburg to create enduring jazz standards and Broadway musicals.
- Worked with Columbia Records, producing notable albums and signing legendary artists.
- Received the Grammy Trustees Award and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
- Contributed to the golden age of Hollywood musicals with scores for *The Great Ziegfeld* and *The Gay Divorcee*.

## Body
### Early Life
Harold Arlen was born on February 15, 1905, in New York City, United States. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music, where he developed his skills in music composition and performance. His early training laid the foundation for his future work in film scoring and jazz.

### Career
Harold Arlen began his career in the music industry, working with Columbia Records, where he signed and produced iconic artists and albums. His collaborations with lyricist Yip Harburg resulted in numerous hit songs and Broadway musicals. Arlen's work with Columbia Records helped establish him as a key figure in the music industry.

### Film Scores
Harold Arlen composed the score for *The Wizard of Oz* (1939), including the song "Over the Rainbow," which became one of the most recognizable pieces of film music. He also worked on the film *The Great Ziegfeld* (1936) and *The Gay Divorcee* (1934), contributing to the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

### Jazz Standards
Arlen wrote the song "The Man That Got Away" (1938), a jazz standard that remains popular in jazz and pop music. His compositions for jazz continue to be performed and celebrated by musicians worldwide.

### Broadway Musicals
Harold Arlen collaborated with Yip Harburg on numerous Broadway musicals, including *Finian's Rainbow* (1947) and *Happy Birthday* (1946). These musicals further solidified his reputation as a talented composer and songwriter.

### Awards and Recognition
Harold Arlen received the Grammy Trustees Award and the Academy Award for Best Original Song for his contributions to music. His work has been recognized and celebrated by the music industry and audiences alike.

### Legacy
Harold Arlen's legacy continues to influence the music industry, with his compositions and collaborations remaining relevant and celebrated. His work with Columbia Records and his collaborations with Yip Harburg have left a lasting impact on American popular music.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1940)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Bibliothèque nationale de France
8. CiNii Research
9. Discogs
10. [Source](https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/talent/detail/42262/Arlen_Harold_vocalist_tenor_vocal)
11. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/the/21274)
12. SNAC
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1942)
18. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1944)
19. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1945)
20. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1946)
21. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1949)
22. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1955)
23. [Source](https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/year/1958/category/any/show/any/)
24. IdRef
25. CONOR.SI
26. BBC Things
27. ISWC Network
28. ACE Repertory
29. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
30. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0248106-Arlen-Harold-19051986)