Biography
Lorenz Milton Hart (May 2, 1895 – November 22, 1943) was the lyricist and librettist half of the Broadway songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart. He is known for penning famous lyrics such as "Blue Moon," "Mountain Greenery," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Manhattan," "Where or When," "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," "Falling in Love with Love," "Have You Met Miss Jones?," "My Funny Valentine," "I Could Write a Book," "This Can't Be Love," "With a Song in My Heart," "It Never Entered My Mind," and "Isn't It Romantic?".
Born in Harlem, Hart was the older of two sons to Jewish immigrant parents Max M. and Frieda (Isenberg) Hart, who were of German descent.
In 1919, a friend introduced Hart to Richard Rodgers, leading them to collaborate on songs for various amateur and student productions. Over a partnership spanning more than two decades, Rodgers and Hart created music and lyrics for 26 Broadway musicals, concluding shortly before Hart's premature death. Their most notable works include Babes in Arms, The Boys From Syracuse, Pal Joey, and On Your Toes. Their songs are often described as intimate and have enjoyed enduring popularity beyond the theater, becoming staples for vocalists and jazz instrumentalists alike.
The duo also composed music and lyrics for several films, including Love Me Tonight (1932), The Phantom President (1932), Hallelujah, I'm a Bum (1933), and Mississippi (1935). Amid their success during the Great Depression, Hart earned $60,000 annually and became a social magnet, hosting numerous large parties. Starting in 1938, he traveled frequently and struggled with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Rodgers and Hart continued collaborating until mid-1942, with their final new musical being By Jupiter.
Following Hart's death, Rodgers partnered with Oscar Hammerstein II, forming a long-lasting and highly successful composing team that became one of the most influential of the 20th century.
