Churchill Kohlman facts for kids
Churchill Kohlman was an American songwriter. He was born on January 28, 1906, and passed away on May 25, 1983. He is most famous for writing the song "Cry". This song became a big hit for singer Johnnie Ray in 1951.
Churchill Kohlman wrote "Cry" while he was working as a night watchman. He worked at a dry cleaning factory in Pittsburgh. After the song became popular, there was a disagreement about the money it earned. This money is called royalties. Kohlman had a legal dispute with Perry Alexander, who owned a music company called Mellow Music. In 1953, a group of people called arbitrators decided that Alexander had to pay Kohlman $15,331.24. This payment settled the disagreement.
Churchill Kohlman wrote many other songs during his life. However, none of them became as successful as "Cry". After his big hit, he worked as a writer for Prevue magazine. This magazine was about show business and was based in Chicago.
Churchill Kohlman had two siblings: Homer Kohlman and Alyse Kohlman Klaytor. He was married to Viola. They had three children: Phyllis Kohlman O'Leary, Eleanor Kohlman Smith, and Carl Kohlman. Churchill Kohlman passed away in 1983 at the age of 77. He died from a heart attack in the Point Breeze area of Pittsburgh. He is buried at Homewood Cemetery in Point Breeze.
"Cry" in Movies and Music
"Cry" is a very popular song. It has been used in movies and recorded by other artists.
"Cry" in Movies
- The version of "Cry" sung by Johnnie Ray was used in a movie. It appeared in the 1987 film called Someone to Watch Over Me. This movie was directed by Ridley Scott.
Other Versions of "Cry"
Many other musicians have recorded their own versions of "Cry".
- Ronnie Dove recorded the song in 1966. His version became a Top 20 hit on the Hot 100 music chart. It was also popular on the Easy Listening charts. He performed his version of the song on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967.
- Kevin Coyne also recorded a version of "Cry". He included it on his 1978 album called Dynamite Daze.
