American composer and songwriter (1913-1990) who won four Academy Awards in his career- more than any other composer of his day (Alan Menken has tied his record). His Oscar-winning songs:
Born Edward Chester Babcock in
Syracuse,
New York. He took his
pen name from the
shirt manufacturer. He began writing
songs for
Paramount films in
1940,
first in partnership with
Johnny Burke, and later with
lyricist Sammy Cahn. He wrote the songs for
six of the
seven Bing Crosby-
Bob Hope "Road" pictures, and 76 tunes recorded by
Frank Sinatra (more than any other composer). Other notable songs: