Fred Fisher
b. 30 September 1875, Cologne, Germany, d. 14 January 1942. After an adventurous early life, which he happily elaborated upon in later years, Fisher emigrated to the USA in 1900. (His entry in ASCAP's directory, presumably self-originated, indicates that his parents were American.) He settled in Chicago, a city he would eventually immortalize in one of his best-known compositions. Soon after his arrival in Chicago he learned to play the piano and his first published songs appeared in 1904. Sometimes writing the music, sometimes lyrics, he brought a foreigner's ear to the minutiae of American life and his early songs reflect this awareness. In 1912 he had his first major success with Peg O My Heart’ (lyrics by Alfred Bryan), which was written for the Broadway show of the same name. He continued to write briefly popular songs but shortly after World War I achieved another lasting success with Dardanella (music by Johnny S. Black or Felix Bernard). The first recording of this song, by Ben Selvin, sold a million copies. In 1922 Fisher wrote words and music for another hugely successful song which became a paean of praise for his adopted city, Chicago (That Toddlin Town)’. Soon afterwards he moved to Los Angeles to work in films, writing theme music for silent movies and was thus in the right place to become involved in early talkies. Fanny Brice sang I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (lyrics by Billy Rose) in MY MAN (1928) and he was co-composer of several other songs featured in early screen musicals. In 1936 he wrote Your Feets Too Big (lyrics by Ada Benson), which was recorded by Fats Waller and in 1940 penned Whispering Grass (music by Doris Fisher, his daughter), a record success for the Ink Spots. By the end of the '30s Fisher was seriously ill and he ended his own life in January 1942. Doris Fisher (b. 2 May 1915, New York City, New York, USA) wrote songs for several films, often in partnership with Allan Roberts, and also sang with Eddie Duchin. Apart from the songs listed above on which she collaborated with her father, she also co-composed You Always Hurt The One You Love, Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall, That Ole Devil Called Love, Tampico and Put The Blame On Mame. Fisher's sons, Marvin and Dan have also written songs.