Great American Songbook Foundation

08/29/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday and remarkable legacy of Dinah Washington, the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Blues.”

Known for a voice and musical versatility that moved effortlessly across blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and pop, Washington became one of the most popular and influential recording artists of the 1950s. Her 1959 recording of “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” became a Top 10 hit and earned her a GRAMMY Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.

Washington died unexpectedly in 1963 at just 39 years old. Her impact, however, was felt well beyond her years. She was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Three of her recordings have also been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame: “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “Teach Me Tonight” and “Unforgettable.”

The Songbook Library & Archives is proud to preserve 43 of her orchestral arrangements as part of the Dinah Washington Collection, including “Drinking Again,” “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” and “Don’t Dream of Anybody.”

Join us in honoring the remarkable artistry and enduring legacy of the Queen of the Blues, Dinah Washington.

08/28/2026

On this day in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The landmark event was also filled with powerful music. Soprano Camilla Williams led the National Anthem, and legendary contralto Marian Anderson performed “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Odetta, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Eva Jessye Choir, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and many others also contributed their voices to the historic day.

It is even said that during the speech, Jackson called out, "Tell them about the dream," prompting King to set aside his prepared remarks and deliver the now-iconic "I have a dream" refrain.

Music, and the artists who shared it, played an important role in the March on Washington and throughout the Civil Rights Movement, giving voice to calls for justice, inspiring communities and helping carry the movement's message across generations.

On this historic day, we invite you to learn more about the important role music played in the Civil Rights Movement in our feature, "Music's Voice in the American Civil Rights Movement."

https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/the-songbook-blog-items/musics-voice-in-the-american-civil-rights-movement/

08/27/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday of comic actress and singer Martha Raye, born on this day in 1916.

From her beginnings performing alongside her vaudevillian parents to a remarkable six-decade career across film, theater and television, Raye brought her signature energy and comedic talent to audiences around the world. Her career also included countless performances for U.S. troops, volunteer service that earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1969.

To celebrate Martha, we’re sharing a piece from the Andy Williams Collection housed at the Songbook Library & Archives.

This medley was arranged by Johnny Mandel for Andy Williams and Martha Raye to perform on "The Andy Williams Show." Raye made several memorable guest appearances on the program throughout her career, and we are proud to showcase this arrangement created for one of those special performances.

Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Martha Raye!

08/26/2026

Yesterday was the birthday of Leonard Bernstein, one of the most prolific composers, conductors and musical figures of the 20th century.

Bernstein left his mark across the Great American Songbook, from his groundbreaking work on "West Side Story" to his collaborations with artists, composers and conductors who helped shape American music.

One of those collaborators was Irwin Kostal, who worked with Bernstein on several productions, including "West Side Story."

To mark Bernstein's birthday and his collaboration with Kostal, we're highlighting two pieces from the Irwin Kostal Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives, including a ticket to the final dress rehearsal of "Trouble in Tahiti / A Quiet Place" in Houston, Texas, in 1983 and an invitation to the cast party at the ("Not-So-Quiet-Place") Four Seasons Hotel.

A few fascinating snapshots of history celebrating the legacy of Leonard Bernstein.

08/25/2026

While we help to preserve the foundational era of popular music, we believe the American Songbook continues to be written. It’s often referred to as the soundtrack of our lives.

There is no better example of that than Dolly Parton. A gifted songwriter and iconic performer, Dolly created music that lasts because it tells stories that resonate with everyone. Her songs have become part of our shared cultural history, while her unique ability to connect with people reminds us that music can bring us together, even when there are things that divide us.

We are grateful for the music Dolly gave the world and for the lasting place she holds in the American Songbook.

Our founder, Michael Feinstein, had the opportunity to collaborate with Dolly Parton on his album "Gershwin Country." Celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy by listening to their beautiful rendition of "Love Is Here to Stay," or share your favorite Dolly song or memory in the comments below.

Listen now: https://youtu.be/uqQpdox7jnw?si=JcITnrriP-ZpZUsD

08/23/2026

Today we remember composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger and music director Ian Fraser on what would have been his 93rd birthday.

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Fraser earned 11 Emmy Awards from 32 nominations, making him one of the most-honored musicians in television history. His work included musical direction for numerous television specials and major awards shows, as well as collaborations with artists including Julie Andrews, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse.

Fraser also holds a special place in holiday music history. He served as musical director for Bing Crosby's final Christmas special, "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" (1977), making him the last person to conduct Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas." He also co-wrote "Peace on Earth," the counterpoint to "The Little Drummer Boy" performed by Crosby and David Bowie during their iconic duet.

To mark Fraser's birthday, revisit our episode of "In the Archives," featuring a closer look at his musical arrangements and the lasting impact of his work.

Explore the scores and stories behind the music of the talented arr...

08/22/2026

On this day in 1945, Frank Sinatra recorded the Songbook standard "Day by Day," written by Sammy Cahn, Axel Stordahl and Paul Weston.

To mark the anniversary of this recording, we're sharing a performance of "Day by Day" by Sadie Fridley from the 2019 Songbook Academy!

Take a listen and enjoy this timeless Songbook standard through a new generation of performers.

08/21/2026

Today we are celebrating the birthday of composer and lyricist Hy Zaret!

While Hy Zaret enjoyed great success throughout his career, he was especially proud of his collaborations with Lou Singer on the “Little Songs on Big Subjects” educational song series. The songs explored topics ranging from science, government and fire safety to the environment and racial tolerance, along with public service announcements about subjects such as vaccinations and cancer prevention.

But the song Zaret might be best known for today came from a collaboration with composer Alex North for a little-known prison film called “Unchained.”

The song? You guessed it: “Unchained Melody.”

We’re thrilled to preserve Zaret’s papers in the Songbook Library & Archives, including drafts and recordings of his songs, business papers and correspondence.

Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Hy Zaret!

08/20/2026

Today, for International Sheet Music Day, we’re highlighting the remarkable Robert Grimes Sheet Music Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives.

Bob Grimes loved finding music for friends and strangers, becoming an important resource for performers of cabaret and the Great American Songbook. He built his collection one piece at a time, storing Hollywood and Broadway music in his small three-room apartment on Post Street in San Francisco.

Just how much music did Bob acquire? Over 30,000 pieces of sheet music!

And he didn’t stop there. Bob created an extensive system for categorizing his sheet music using approximately 70,000 index cards.

This International Sheet Music Day, we’re celebrating collectors and preservationists like Bob Grimes, whose dedication helps ensure that these pieces of musical history can be discovered, studied and shared with generations to come.

08/19/2026

Today is World Photography Day, a worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography.

Photos capture moments in time, and we are proud to preserve not only the photographs themselves, but also the materials and equipment that help tell the story of how those images were captured and preserved.

To celebrate, we’re sharing a few items from the Cyd Charisse and Tony Martin Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives, including a photo negative and the finished photograph of Cyd Charisse dressed in a beautiful gown. We’re also showcasing three traditional photo strips, along with the scanner and trays our team used to digitize photo negatives like these.

Together, these items offer a glimpse into both the history of photography and the work that goes into preserving these images for future generations.