Tin Pan Alley
What was the significance of Tin Pan Alley?
It was the birthplace of the American music publishing industry as well as the American popular songwriting industry
How did Bing Crosby's German listeners refer to him?
Der Bingle
What was Irving Berlin's first big hit? (written in 1911)
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Where did Cole Porter receive his undergraduate education?
Yale University
How were George and Ira Gershwin related?
They were brothers
Where did Tin Pan Alley get its name?
The cacophony of two out of tune upright pianos playing simultaneously sounded like tin pans being banged together
What is Bing Crosby's full name?
Harry Lillis Crosby Jr.
What holiday hit written by Irving Berlin was most famously championed by Bing Crosby?
White Christmas
What kind of accident affected Cole Porter's career and life?
A horseback riding accident in 1937
What was Ira Gershwin's role in the duo?
Lyricist
What was the primary product from Tin Pan Alley? (aside from musical style and collaborations)
Sheet music
How did Bing Crosby's investment in magnetic tape recording technology impact the radio industry?
It paved the way for pre-recorded and edited radio shows rather than live radio broadcasts.
What was Irving Berlin's birth name?
Israel Beilin
How did Cole Porter's music serve the public during WWII?
It offered an opportunity for emotional escape from the stress of the war
What was George Gershwin's most famous orchestral work?
Rhapsody in Blue
Who was the most prolific composer from Tin Pan Alley?
Irving Berlin
What musical technique championed by Bing Crosby was facilitated by the development of the microphone?
Crooning
What was Irving Berlin's first published song?
Marie from Sunny Italy
What was Cole Porter's music known for that his wealthy upbringing and high quality education likely facilitated?
Clever and profound lyrics
What was George Gershwin's first job?
Song Plugger
What was the specific location of Tin Pan Alley?
West 28th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, NY.
What other singers were influenced by Bing Crosby's style? (name at least one)
Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Perry Como
How old was Irving Berlin when he passed away?
101 (May 11, 1888- September 22, 1989)
What were Cole Porter's hit musicals? (name at least one)
Paris (1928), Anything Goes (1934)
What opera is Gershwin's "Summertime" from?
Porgy and Bess