Cole Porter

Biography

Cole Albert Porter (June 9, 1891 – October 15, 1964) was an American composer and songwriter. Many of his songs became standards noted for their witty, urbane lyrics, and many of his scores found success on Broadway and in Hollywood films.

Born to a wealthy family in Indiana, Porter defied his grandfather's wishes for him to practice law and took up music as a profession. Classically trained, he was drawn to musical theatre. After a slow start, he began to achieve success in the 1920s, and by the 1930s, was one of the major songwriters for the Broadway stage. Unlike many successful Broadway composers, Porter wrote both music and lyrics.

After a serious horseback riding accident in 1937, Po...