Remembering the music legend Cole Porter
The prolific American composer and songwriter whose work left a significant mark on the world of musical theater and popular music that continues to be performed and cherished worldwide
Remembering the music legend Cole Porter
Cole Porter, the prolific American composer and songwriter whose work left a significant mark on the world of musical theater and popular music, was born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana. Known for his sophisticated lyrics, complex melodies, and a distinctive style that blended wit and sentiment, Porter became one of the most celebrated figures in American music.
Cole Porter was born into a wealthy family; his grandfather, J.O. Cole, was a successful businessman who provided a privileged upbringing. Porter demonstrated musical talent from a young age, learning the violin and piano by the age of six and composing his first operetta in high school. He attended Yale University, where he wrote over 300 songs, including the Yale fight songs “Bulldog” and “Bingo Eli Yale,” which are still performed today. After Yale, Porter briefly attended Harvard Law School but soon transferred to the Harvard School of Music, focusing on his true passion.
Porter’s early career began in the 1910s, with his first Broadway production, “See America First” (1916), which was not successful. Undeterred, Porter continued to write music, splitting his time between Paris and New York.
Porter’s breakthrough came in the late 1920s and early 1930s with a series of successful Broadway shows. His musical “Paris” (1928) included the hit song “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love,” which became a standard and showcased his talent for witty and sophisticated songwriting.
Porter’s most notable works include the musicals “Anything Goes” (1934), “Kiss Me, Kate” (1948), and “Can-Can” (1953). “Anything Goes” is famous for songs like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and the title song “Anything Goes,” all of which remain popular standards. “Kiss Me, Kate,” a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” won the first Tony Award for Best Musical and featured classics such as “So in Love” and “Too Darn Hot.”
Other memorable songs by Porter include “Night and Day,” “Begin the Beguine,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “In the Still of the Night.” His work is characterized by clever wordplay, memorable melodies, and a unique ability to capture a wide range of emotions.
Porter’s career continued to thrive through the 1950s, despite facing personal challenges. In 1937, he was involved in a severe horseback riding accident that left him with a crushed leg, leading to chronic pain and multiple surgeries. Despite his health issues, Porter continued to write music, albeit with increasing difficulty.
In the 1950s and 1960s, his style became less dominant in the changing musical landscape, but he remained active, working on films and television projects, and his earlier works continued to be celebrated.
Porter married Linda Lee Thomas, a wealthy socialite, in 1919. Despite his homosexuality, their marriage was a loving and supportive partnership, lasting until Linda’s death in 1954. Porter’s personal life was marked by his struggle with his sexuality and the impact of his injury, but his resilience and dedication to his music remained steadfast.
Cole Porter died on October 15, 1964, at the age of 73, in Santa Monica, California. He left behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to be performed and cherished worldwide.
Watch a 1990 documentary about the life and work of Cole Porter
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