Arthur Freed

Arthur Freed, Arthur actually Grossman (born 9 September 1894 in Charleston, South Carolina; † 12 April 1973 in Los Angeles ) was an American musical producer and song lyricist.

Life

Arthur Freed grew up in Seattle. After his graduation he worked as a pianist and " song plugger " ( section leader ) for a Chicago music publisher. During this time he became acquainted with the Marx Brothers, whose vaudeville operation he joined as a singer and composer. In 1921, he co-authored with Nacio Herb Brown song "When Buddha Smiles"; His first big hit, " I Cried For You", which he wrote together with Gus Arnheim and Abe Lyman, was born in 1923.

After years of trips through night clubs and some engagements in Los Angeles, he was hired in the late 1920s at Metro -Goldwyn- Mayer. There he composed together with Nacio Herb Brown - he wrote the lyrics, Brown music - the songs for many successful movie musicals; 1929 The Broadway Melody created for the hit " You Were Meant For Me" and "Broadway Melody ", for The Hollywood Revue of 1929 "Singin ' in the Rain" and The Pagan "Pagan Love Song".

In the first half of the 1930s Brown and Freed wrote another hit: "Temptation ", " All I Do Is Dream of You"; " You Are My Lucky Star " was written for the movie musical Broadway Melody of 1936, "Good Morning " for Babes in Arms.

With The Wizard of Oz from 1939 Freed began his career as a producer, prompting numerous other productions followed. For An American in Paris and Gigi he ever received an Oscar. 1952 Freed was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

Freed in 1961 left the MGM studios. From 1963 to 1966 he was president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1968 and received an honorary Oscar for his contribution. In 1972 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Filmography (selection)