Al Lewis (lyricist) facts for kids

Al Lewis (born April 18, 1901 – died April 4, 1967) was an American songwriter and music publisher. He was best known for writing the words to songs, which is what a lyricist does. He was very active from the 1920s to the 1950s. During this time, he often worked with other songwriters like Al Sherman and Abner Silver. Some of his most famous songs include "Blueberry Hill" and "You Gotta Be a Football Hero".

Al Lewis: A Songwriter's Journey

Al Lewis was a talented songwriter who helped create many popular tunes. He was part of an important time in music history called the Tin Pan Alley era. This was a place in New York City where many songwriters and music publishers worked. They created a huge number of hit songs that became famous across the country. Al Lewis wrote lyrics for most of his songs, but sometimes he also wrote the music.

"Songwriters on Parade" Show

Between 1931 and 1934, Al Lewis performed in a special show called "Songwriters on Parade". This was during the last days of Vaudeville, a type of live entertainment. Vaudeville shows featured many different acts, like singers, dancers, and comedians. Lewis and other famous songwriters traveled all along the East Coast. They performed their hit songs for audiences in theaters like Loew's and Keith's.

Career Boost in the 1950s

Al Lewis's career got a big boost in 1956. This happened when "Blueberry Hill" became a huge hit. He had co-written this song in the 1940s with Larry Stock. The famous musician Fats Domino made it popular again. Just two years later, Lewis wrote another hit song called "Tears on My Pillow". He wrote this with Sylvester Bradford, another talented songwriter. This song became a big success for the group Little Anthony and the Imperials.

Famous Songs by Al Lewis

Here are some of the popular songs Al Lewis helped create:

• 1926 "Gonna Get a Girl" (music by Howard Simon)
• 1929 "He's So Unusual"
• 1929 "Good Morning, Good Evening, Good Night"
• 1930 "Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight"
• 1931 "Ninety-Nine Out of a Hundred" (a hit for Rudy Vallee)
• 1931 "Got the Bench, Got the Park"
• 1933 "Now's the Time to Fall in Love" (a hit for Eddie Cantor)
• 1933 "You Gotta Be a Football Hero"
• 1936 "Hypnotized"
• 1940 "Blueberry Hill"
• 1941 "Rose O'Day"
• 1958 "Tears on My Pillow" (written with Sylvester Bradford, recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials)
• 1959 "I'm Ready" (with Fats Domino & Sylvester Bradford)