Irving Caesar

Irving Caesar (1895–1996) was an American lyricist and composer whose long career spanned most of the 20th century and produced some of the most enduring standards in the American songbook. Born in New York City to immigrant parents, Caesar grew up on the city’s vibrant Lower East Side. He attended the City College of New York before pursuing a career in songwriting, quickly becoming part of the Tin Pan Alley scene that was shaping the future of American popular music. His knack for catchy lyrics and lighthearted humor made him a natural fit for Broadway and beyond.

Caesar’s first major success came in the early 1920s with the hit song Swanee, written with a young George Gershwin. Introduced by Al Jolson, Swanee became one of the most popular American songs of the era and gave Caesar instant recognition as a lyricist of note. This partnership with Gershwin helped him enter the Broadway world, where he collaborated with leading composers and contributed to numerous revues and musicals during the decade.

One of Caesar’s most famous projects was his work on No, No, Nanette (1925), for which he contributed lyrics alongside Otto Harbach to Vincent Youmans’ lively score. The show became a cultural sensation, producing timeless standards such as “Tea for Two” and “I Want to Be Happy.” Caesar’s playful, accessible lyric writing perfectly matched Youmans’ melodies, capturing the carefree spirit of the Jazz Age. The success of No, No, Nanette cemented his place as one of the premier lyricists of his generation.

Throughout his career, Caesar wrote or contributed to hundreds of songs, working with composers including Rudolf Friml, Sigmund Romberg, and even more of Gershwin’s contemporaries. His music was performed by many of the top singers of his day, and several of his songs became part of the Great American Songbook. In addition to popular music, Caesar also wrote children’s songs and educational pieces, showing his versatility and interest in music as a cultural tool for learning.

Irving Caesar lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 1996. His career not only spanned Broadway’s early golden years but also bridged popular and educational music traditions. Best remembered for his sparkling contributions to No, No, Nanette and his early collaboration on Swanee, Caesar’s lyrics continue to resonate with audiences nearly a century later. His songs embody the joy and optimism of the 1920s, ensuring his place in the pantheon of great American lyricists.