Johnny Burke

Lyricist Johnny Burke co-wrote numerous pop standards in the '30s and '40s, and was best known for his associations with composer Jimmy Van Heusen and singer Bing Crosby. Born in Antioch, CA, in 1908, Burke grew up in Chicago and studied both piano and drama. After a stint at the University of Wisconsin, where he played piano in the orchestra, Burke took a job with the Chicago arm of Irving Berlin's publishing company in 1926, serving as a song salesman and pianist. Following a transfer to the company's New York office, Burke began writing lyrics with composer Harold Spina, and the team made their debut in 1932 with "Shadows on the Swanee." The following year brought their first major hit, "Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore," which became a success for Guy Lombardo. Over the next several years, Spina and Burke wrote a succession of minor hits for the likes of Paul Whiteman, Ozzie Nelson, Ben Pollack, and Fats Waller; their second big hit came with Waller's interpretation of "My Very Good Friend the Milkman."

Read More