Alberta Nichols facts for kids

Alberta Nichols (born December 3, 1898 – died February 4, 1957) was a talented American songwriter. She was very popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Alberta often worked with her husband, Mann Holiner, who wrote the words for their songs.

Together, they created over 100 songs! Two of their most famous hits were "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" and "A Love Like Ours."

About Alberta Nichols

An advertisement from New York Times on March 17, 1926, featuring Alberta Nichols.

Alberta Nichols was born in Lincoln, Illinois, on December 3, 1898. She loved music from a young age. She studied piano at the Louisville Conservatory. Her teachers included famous musicians like George Copeland.

Alberta's career was very exciting. She wrote music for many different kinds of shows. This included vaudeville, which were popular live stage shows with various acts. She also wrote for radio, musical theater, and even movies!

In 1931, Alberta and her husband, Mann Holiner, worked with other songwriters. They teamed up with Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin, and L.E. Freeman. Together, they created a Broadway show called "Rhapsody in Black." This group of five also wrote the famous song "Until the Real Thing Comes Along."

Many singers performed this song over the years. The legendary Billie Holiday recorded it in 1942. Billie Holiday was also a close friend of Alberta and Mann.

Alberta and Mann wrote music for other Broadway shows too. These included "Blackbirds of 1933" and "Angela." The musical "Angela" even starred the famous actress Jeanette MacDonald.

Their song "A Love Like Ours" was featured in the movie "Two Girls and a Sailor" (1944). This film starred actors like Van Johnson and June Allyson. Many people consider "A Love Like Ours" to be one of their best songs.

Other popular songs by Alberta Nichols and Mann Holiner include:

• "There Never Was a Town like Paris"
• "Sing a Little Tune"
• "You Can't Stop Me from Loving You"
• "Why Shouldn't It Happen to Us?" (This song was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1945!)

Alberta Nichols passed away in Hollywood, California, on February 4, 1957. She left behind a wonderful collection of music.

Alberta Nichols' Music

Here are some of the songs and shows Alberta Nichols wrote music for:

Famous Songs

• "A Love Like Ours" (from the movie Two Girls and a Sailor)
• "Until the Real Thing Comes Along"
• "There Never Was a Town like Paris"
• "Sing a Little Tune"
• "You Can't Stop Me from Loving You"
• "Why Shouldn't It Happen to Us?"
• "I'm Walkin' The Chalk Line"
• "Your Mother's Son-In-Law"
• "I Just Couldn't Take it Baby"
• "I Can't Believe its True" (from the musical Angela)
• "Maybe So" (from the musical Angela)
• "The Regal Romp" (from the musical Angela)

Broadway Shows with Her Music

• Gay Paree (1926)
• Angela
• Luckee Girl
• Rhapdsody in Black (1931)

Movies with Her Music

• Blackbirds of 1934 (1934)
• Two Girls and a Sailor (1944)