Jimmy Van Heusen (January 26, 1913 - February 7, 1990), was an American composer. Writing songs for films and television, he won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song, and an Emmy.
Christened Edward Chester Babcock in Syracuse, New York, he began writing music while at high school, and renamed himself at age 15, to use as his on-air name during a local radio show.
Studying at Cazenovia Seminary and Syracuse University, he became friends with Jerry Arlen, the younger brother of Harold Arlen. With the elder Arlen's help, Van Heusen wrote songs for the Cotton Club revue, including "Harlem Hospitality." "Darn That Dream" is a popular song with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Eddie DeLange, published in 1939.
The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Swingin' The Dream.Jimmy Van Heusen (January 26, 1913 - February 7, 1990), was an American composer. Writing songs for films and television, he won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song, and an Emmy.
Christened Edward Chester Babcock in Syracuse, New York, he began writing music while at high school, and renamed himself at age 15, to use as his on-air name during a local radio.