Michael H. Goldsen oral history interview, January 20, 1998

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: M155_GoldsenM

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Michael H. Goldsen oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Chris Paton. At the beginning of the interview, Mr. Goldsen speaks of the first period of his acquaintance with Johnny Mercer during the early years of Capitol Records, when Goldsen was hired by Capitol to form the company's music publishing business. Goldsen talks about the first hits of Capitol Songs, particularly "G.I. Jive" and "Dream." Goldsen turns briefly to his personal and social relationship with Johnny Mercer during the 1940s, discussing a Palm Springs weekend in 1943 or 1944 and a visit to Mercer at Broadbeach about a year later, before speaking of his transition from Capitol Records to his own business in 1950. At this point Goldsen relates an anecdote about Mercer's work on the lyrics to "Autumn Leaves" and he briefly talks about the writing of "When the World Was Young" which leads to a discussion of Mercer's habit of writing both male and female versions of lyrics. More anecdotes about specific songs follow, including "Song of India" and "Save the Bones for Henry Jones."

Dates

Creation: January 20, 1998

Creator

Goldsen, Michael H., 1912-2011 (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Michael H. Goldsen (aka Steve Graham, Vernon Lee), who was born in New York City on September 5, 1912, had a long career in the music publishing business. He began his working life in New York, at Song Lyrics Magazine (1934-1937), at Irving Mills (1937-1939), and as the general manager of Leeds Music (1939-1943). At the invitation of Johnny Mercer, Buddy DeSylva, and Glenn Wallichs, in 1943 Goldsen became the publisher of Capitol Songs, the music publishing arm of Capitol Records. In 1950 Criterion Music Corporation was formed, with Goldsen as chief executive officer of the company. Also a noted lyricist and composer, Goldsen wrote the music for "Silhouette Hula" and the lyrics for "Save the Bones for Henry Jones" "Off Shore" and "I Got Hooked at a Hukilau."