John Frederick Coots facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Frederick Coots
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Frederick Coots |
| Also known as | J. Fred Coots |
| Born | May 2, 1897 |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 1985 (aged 87) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Tin Pan Alley |
| Occupation(s) | Composer |
| Instruments | Piano |
John Frederick Coots (born May 2, 1897 – died April 8, 1985) was an American songwriter. He wrote over 700 popular songs and music for more than ten Broadway shows. His most famous song, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," became a huge hit in 1934. He wrote it with his friend, lyricist Haven Gillespie. This song became one of the best-selling songs in American history!
In 1934, Haven Gillespie brought Coots the lyrics for "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." Coots came up with the song's tune in just ten minutes! He took the song to his publisher, Leo Feist. Feist liked it but thought it was "just a kids' song" and didn't expect it to be very popular.
However, Coots offered the song to famous entertainer Eddie Cantor. Cantor used it on his radio show that November, and it became an instant success! The very next morning, people ordered 100,000 copies of the sheet music. By Christmas, sales had reached over 400,000 copies.
Contents
A Look at His Life and Music
John Frederick Coots was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started his career at a young age and quickly became known for his musical talent.
Early Career and First Hits
- In 1914, when he was 17, Coots began working at a bank in New York.
- By 1916, at age 20, his first hit song, "Mr. Ford You've Got the Right Idea," was published. Ray Sherwood wrote the words, and Coots wrote the music.
- In 1919, when he was 22, actor-producer Eddie Dowling gave Coots his first chance to write music for a big show called Friars' Frolics.
- Dowling then asked Coots to write songs for Sally, Irene and Mary in 1922. This show was very popular and played on Broadway for two years!
Famous Songs and Later Years
- In 1928, Coots wrote the song "Doin' the Raccoon."
- He moved to Hollywood, California in 1929.
- In 1931, he wrote the well-known song "Love Letters in the Sand."
- The year 1934 was a big one for Coots. Besides "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," he also wrote "For All We Know."
- In 1940, he wrote "The Rangers' Victory Song."
- John Frederick Coots passed away in a New York City hospital on April 8, 1985, at the age of 87.
Popular Songs by J. Fred Coots
Here are some of the most famous songs John Frederick Coots wrote:
- "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
- Words by Haven Gillespie, music by Coots.
- This song was first published in 1934.
- "You Go to My Head"
- Words by Haven Gillespie, music by Coots.
- This song came out in 1938.
- "Louisiana Fairy Tale"
- Words and music by Mitchell Parish, Haven Gillespie, and Coots.
- This song was released in 1935.
- "For All We Know"
- Words by Sam M. Lewis, music by Coots.
- This song was published in 1934.
- "I Still Get a Thrill (Thinking of You)"
- Words by Benny Davis, music by Coots.
- This song was released in 1930.
- "There's Honey On The Moon Tonight"
- Words by Haven Gillespie and Mack Davis, music by Coots.
- This song came out in 1938.
Musicals He Wrote For
John Frederick Coots also composed music for many Broadway shows. Here are a few of them:
- Sally, Irene and Mary (1922-1925)
- This musical included songs like "Kid Days," "Time Will Tell," and "Do You Remember?"
- Sons O' Guns (1929-1930)
- Broadway Nights (1929)
- George White's Scandals (1928-1929)
- White Lights (1927)
- Gay Paree (1925-1927)
- A Night in Paris (1926)
- The Merry World (1926)
- Mayflowers (1925-1926)
- June Days (1925)
- Artists and Models (1924-1926)
- Innocent Eyes (1924)
- Dew Drop Inn (1923)
- Spice of 1922 (1922)
