In January 2005 the Grammys announced their annual Hall of Fame inductees. Included on the list was Bing Crosby's 1932 recording of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," the anthem of the Great Depression. Jay Gorney, who composed the music for this enduring classic, will also be remembered for such standards as "Baby Take a Bow" (from the film Stand Up and Cheer), "You're My Thrill," and "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man?" Throughout his lifetime, Gorney wrote hundreds of popular songs for theater, film, and television. In addition to composing, Gorney also produced films and was a distinguished writer and teacher. Unfortunately, his career was brought to a halt in 1953 with his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, as he was blacklisted thereafter. This memoir by Jay's wife of more than 45 years chronicles the life of one of American music's most prolific and respected composers. From Gorney's childhood in Russia to his many stage and screen successes to his 1962 Tony Award, Brother Can You Spare a Dime? is a tribute to a man whose humanity, kindness, and courage triumphed over adversity. Contains more than 30 photos, including sheet music covers to some of Jay's greatest songs.

About the Author
Sondra K. Gorney started her career as an actress in Chicago, performing in theater and radio. After moving to Los Angeles, she met and married Jay Gorney. Together they co-produced several editions of the musical revue Meet The People. When the Blacklist halted Jay's career, Sondra started a 30-year career as a public relations executive. She has appeared as a guest speaker on hundreds of radio and television programs throughout the country, and is the co-author of After Forty: How Women Can Achieve Fulfillment. After her retirement from public relations - and her husband's death - she returned to the theater as an actress and has appeared in numerous off-Broadway plays, as well as in television dramas.

Reviews
Gorney, wife of popular songwriter Jay Gorney (1896-1990), recounts the life and career of her husband, known for his song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" She describes his childhood in Russia, life in New York and Hollywood, career on Broadway, songs for films, and experience being blacklisted in the 1950s. Appendixes list his Broadway shows and songs, and film, radio, and television music. * Reference and Research Book News *
Jay Gorney gave America 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' and was blacklisted for his troubles. The depression, the blacklist, show business - it's all here in Sondra Gorney's loving Valentine to her late husband. -- Victor Navasky, Publisher and Editorial Director, The Nation
Jay lived in a life centered around art and ideals and his story is one that needs to be told. This book is wonderful! -- Michael Feinstein, Musician and first recipient of the ASCAP American Songbook Award
Jay Gorney was an exceptionally talented theatre composer and a wonderful human being. Jay's quintessential music to "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (the anthem of the Great Depression) inspired my father, Yip, to write as great a lyric. This book illuminates Jay's life and work. -- Ernie Harburg, co-author of Who Put the Rainbow in The Wizard of Oz? Yip Harburg, Lyricist
I was privileged to know Jay Gorney and admire him personally, long before I read this unusually thoughtful biography that reflects on his richly varied career on Broadway and in Hollywood - as an important composer and songwriter as well as film producer. The author brings all the intimacy of her close relationship with the subject into this faceted portrait of a man whose decency always illuminated his work and whose integrity helped him to triumph over the blacklist. -- Patrick McGilligan, Author of the Edgar-nominated biography Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light



Book Information
ISBN 9780810856554
Author Sondra K. Gorney
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Scarecrow Press
Publisher Scarecrow Press
Weight(grams) 308g
Dimensions(mm) 219mm * 149mm * 12mm