Vernon Duke

Vernon Duke, born Vladimir Dukelsky on October tenth, nineteen oh three, was a remarkable Russian-born American composer, poet, and lyricist. His contributions to the world of music are celebrated, particularly for his timeless songs that have left an indelible mark on American popular culture.

Among his most notable works are classics such as 'Taking a Chance on Love,' co-written with Ted Fetter and John Latouche in nineteen forty, and 'I Can't Get Started,' featuring lyrics by Ira Gershwin from nineteen thirty-six. Duke's 'April in Paris,' with lyrics by E. Y. ('Yip') Harburg, debuted in nineteen thirty-two, while 'What Is There To Say' was featured in the Ziegfeld Follies of nineteen thirty-four, also in collaboration with Harburg.

In addition to these hits, Duke penned the words and music for 'Autumn in New York' in nineteen thirty-four for the revue Thumbs Up! This particular piece garnered praise from composer Alec Wilder, who described it as having a verse that may be the most ambitious he had ever encountered.

Duke's collaborations extended to renowned lyricists such as Johnny Mercer, Ogden Nash, and Sammy Cahn, further solidifying his status as a significant figure in the realm of American songwriting.