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Porter, Cole (1893-1964)

American songwriter of popular songs noted for their sophisticated lyrics. He was born in Peru, Indiana, and educated at Yale and Harvard universities. Porter began to write popular songs in his youth, and in 1916 he completed his first professional score, for the musical revue See America First. His promising career was interrupted in 1917 when he enlisted in the French Foreign Legion; he was later transferred to the French army. After World War I he returned to the United States, where his witty, sophisticated lyrics and subtle melodies soon made him one of the most notable figures in popular music; he wrote the words, as well as the music, for all his scores and songs. Among the musical comedies for which he wrote scores are Fifty Million Frenchmen (1929), Anything Goes (1934), Kiss Me Kate (1949), and Can-Can (1953). He also composed scores for several films. His songs include “Night and Day”, “Begin the Beguine”, “What Is This Thing Called Love?”, and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”.