Yip Harburg | |
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![]() Yip Harburg 1947 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Isidore Hochberg |
Also known as | E. Y. Harburg, Yipsel Harburg |
Born | New York City, U.S. | April 8, 1896
Died | March 5, 1981 Los Angeles, California, U.S. | (aged 84)
Occupation(s) |
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Formerly of | Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Jerome Kern, Jule Styne, Burton Lane |
Edgar Yipsel Harburg (born Isidore Hochberg; April 8, 1896 – March 5, 1981) was an American popular song lyricist and librettist who worked with many well-known composers. He wrote the lyrics to the standards "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (with Jay Gorney), "April in Paris", and "It's Only a Paper Moon", as well as all of the songs for the film The Wizard of Oz, including "Over the Rainbow".[1] He was known for the social commentary of his lyrics, as well as his leftist leanings. He championed racial and gender equality and union politics. He also was an ardent critic of religion.[2][3]
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