Cliff Friend was born in Cincinnati, Ohio back in 1893. He studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He wanted to be a concert pianist that is until he had a three-year bout of tuberculosis.
He met Harry Richman and the two moved to Los Angeles, California where the two met Al Jolson. Al encouraged them to move again to New York City where they became part of Tin Pan Alley. From there as they say the rest is history.
You may not know Cliff Friend but you know of his works. So, tell me do you remember some of his writings? Let’s start off with Lovesick Blues, Then I’ll Be Happy, If I Only Had You, Let’s Have a Party, and of course The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down. If you don’t recognize the last one that’s okay maybe you recognize it as the theme song in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon series. I believe it is still used today. He died in Las Vegas in 1974. Now tell me will you be able to get that tune out of your head today? LOL Until tomorrow keep those pearly whites shinning.
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