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Sour, Robert (1906-1985)

He was a composer and lyricist who collaborated with other songwriters including Edward Heyman, Johnny Green, Una Mae Carlisle, Henry Manners and Helen Bliss among others.

In 1930 he co-wrote the successful song “Body and Soul” which has been performed by hundreds of artists despite having been banned from the radio for its suggestive lyrics for a year.

His collaboration with Una Mae Carlisle on “Walkin’ By the River” and “I See a Million Parade” were the first time an African American female composer had seen success on a hit parade.

In the movie industry he contributed to the soundtrack of Bambi with the songs “Thumper Song” and “Twitterpated” as well as three musicals during the WWII years.

He became the vice-president of BMI and was involved in establishing the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in 1961.

The Manhattan Transfer Recordings
Body and Soul (Edward Heyman/Johnny Green/Robert Sour/Frank Eyton)

Sources:

  1. http://www.jazzstandards.com/biographies/robert_sour.htm
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sour
  3. http://imdb.com/name/nm0815916/