Gene Vincent de Paul (June 17, 1919 – February 27, 1988)[1] was an American pianist, composer and songwriter.

Gene de Paul
Background information
Birth nameGene Vincent de Paul
Born(1919-06-17)June 17, 1919
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 27, 1988(1988-02-27) (aged 68)
Northridge, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Pianist, composer, songwriter
InstrumentPiano

Biography

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Born in New York City,[1] he served in the United States Army during World War II. He was married to Billye Louise Files (November 23, 1924 – January 30, 1977) of Jack County, Texas.

He joined the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1941, and went on to compose the music for many motion pictures.[1] He was nominated (with Don Raye) for an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Song in 1942 for the song "Pig Foot Pete" from the movie Hellzapoppin. The song actually was not included in that movie, but in the 1941 feature, Keep 'Em Flying,[1] and was thus ineligible for the nomination and award.[2] The award was given to "White Christmas".

De Paul collaborated with Johnny Mercer, Don Raye, Carolyn Leigh, Charles Rinker and others at Universal Studios, Walt Disney Studios and other Hollywood companies.[1]

De Paul composed the 1953 hit song "Teach Me Tonight".

De Paul was one of the composers of the songs and dances, along with lyricist Johnny Mercer, for the 1954 musical film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.[1]

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.[3]

Gene de Paul died in February 1988, at the age of 68, and was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood Hills.

Musical film credits

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Broadway credits

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Notable songs

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 654/5. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy Awards Database: Gene De Paul". Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2006.
  3. ^ "Gene de Paul". Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2011.