Leo Robin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leo Robin
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 6, 1900 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | December 29, 1984 (aged 84) Woodland Hills, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, lyricist, songwriter |
| Associated acts | Richard A. Whiting Sam Coslow Ralph Rainger Jule Styne |
Leo Robin (born April 6, 1900 – died December 29, 1984) was a talented American songwriter. He wrote both the music (composer) and the words (lyricist) for many popular songs.
He is famous for working with other artists to create hit songs. One of his most well-known songs is "Thanks for the Memory." This song won an Oscar in 1938. It was sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the movie The Big Broadcast of 1938.
Another famous song he helped create is "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." This song became very popular when Marilyn Monroe sang it.
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About Leo Robin's Life
Leo Robin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. His parents were Max and Fannie Robin. He went to law school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He also studied drama at Carnegie Tech. Before becoming a songwriter, he worked as a reporter and a publicist.
Early Career and Broadway Hits
Robin started having hit songs in 1926. These songs were part of Broadway shows. Broadway is a famous theater district in New York City. Some of his early musicals included By the Way (1926) and Hit the Deck, Judy (1927).
Working in Hollywood
In 1932, Leo Robin moved to Hollywood. He began working for Paramount Pictures, a big movie studio. His main partner there was a composer named Ralph Rainger. Together, they wrote over 50 hit songs for movies. They were one of the top songwriting teams in the 1930s.
Robin and Rainger worked together until 1942. Sadly, Rainger died in a plane crash that year.
Famous Song Collaborations
Leo Robin continued to work with many other composers. These included Harold Arlen, Jule Styne, and Harry Warren.
He and Ralph Rainger wrote "Thanks for the Memory." This song became very famous. It was sung by Bob Hope and became his signature tune.
Robin also worked with Jule Styne on the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949. This musical included the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." This song became a signature song for Carol Channing and later for Marilyn Monroe.
Later Years and Recognition
In 1955, Robin worked on the musical film My Sister Eileen. After this, he officially retired from the movie industry.
Leo Robin wrote many popular songs. Most of these were for movies and television. Some other well-known songs include "Louise" and "Beyond the Blue Horizon." He wrote these with Richard A. Whiting. He also wrote "Prisoner of Love" and "Blue Hawaii."
In 1972, Leo Robin was honored. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This means his work was recognized as very important in music history.
Leo Robin's Passing
Leo Robin passed away on December 29, 1984. He was 84 years old. He died from heart failure in Woodland Hills, California. He was buried in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Leo Robin's Broadway Shows
Leo Robin wrote lyrics for many Broadway musicals. Here are some of them:
- Hit the Deck (1927) - He helped write the lyrics.
- Allez-oop (1927) - He wrote the lyrics for this show.
- Just Fancy (1927) - He wrote the lyrics.
- Hello Yourself (1928) - He wrote the lyrics.
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949) - He wrote the lyrics for this famous musical.
- The Girl in Pink Tights (1954) - He wrote the lyrics.
- Lorelei (Gentlemen Still Prefer Blondes) (1974) - He wrote the lyrics.
Some shows used his songs after he passed away:
- A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine (1980) - This show featured his songs like "Louise" and "Thanks for the Memory."
- Big Deal (1986) - This musical used his song "Love Is Just around the Corner."
- Fosse (1999) - This show included his song "Got No Room for Mr. Gloom."
