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Howard DietzAmerican songwriter
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Howard Dietz: An American Lyricist and More
- Advertising Maverick
- Musical Collaboration with Arthur Schwartz
- - "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan"
- Military Service and Other Endeavors
- Archival Legacy
Howard Dietz: An American Lyricist and More
Early Life and EducationHoward Dietz was born in New York City and pursued journalism studies at Columbia University.
Advertising Maverick
After his education, Dietz joined Samuel Goldwyn's company as a publicist and head of press and advertising. He is credited with creating the roaring lion Leo logo and the motto "Ars Gratia Artis" for the media giant that would become Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Dietz rose to the role of Vice President of Advertising in 1942 and held the position for 13 years until his retirement in 1957.
Musical Collaboration with Arthur Schwartz
Dietz began a long-lasting collaboration with composer Arthur Schwartz, starting with the Broadway revue "The Little Show" in 1929. Their popular collaboration spanned nearly three decades, resulting in numerous Broadway hits including:
- "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan"
- "Moanin' Low"- "Something to Remember You By"
- "Dancin' in the Dark"
- "Louisiana Hayride"
- "A Shine on Your Shoes"
- "You and the Night and the Music"
- "By Myself"
- "I See Your Face Before Me"
- "That's Entertainment"
Additional Musical Contributions
Dietz also penned lyrics for the operas "La Boheme" and "Der Fledermaus," and collaborated with composers Jerome Kern, Ralph Rainger, and others. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Military Service and Other Endeavors
During World War I, Dietz served in the US Navy and edited their magazine, "Navy Life." In World War II, he assisted the Treasury Department with promoting war bonds and created a revue for the US Coast Guard with composer Vernon Duke. Dietz also appeared as a fictional character in mystery novels by John Dandoli.
Archival Legacy
Dietz meticulously preserved his career-related documents, including MGM advertising campaigns. Upon his death due to Parkinson's disease in 1986, his extensive collection was donated to the New York Public Library. The Dietz Archive stands as the largest private archive of its kind.
