Lew Brown

Lew Brown was a prolific American lyricist who helped shape the sound of early 20th-century popular music through his clever, heartfelt, and memorable lyrics. Born Louis Brownstein on December 10, 1893, in Odessa, Russia (then part of the Russian Empire), he emigrated to the United States with his family as a child and grew up in New York City. Fascinated by language and music from a young age, Brown began writing lyrics in his teens and quickly found success in the vibrant world of Tin Pan Alley, where he would go on to write some of the era’s most beloved songs.

Brown is perhaps best known for his work with composer Ray Henderson and fellow lyricist Buddy DeSylva as part of the famed songwriting team DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson. Together, they created a string of hits in the 1920s and early 1930s, including “Button Up Your Overcoat,” “You’re the Cream in My Coffee,” and “Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” Their songs captured the optimism, charm, and rhythmic energy of the Jazz Age, and were featured in Broadway revues and Hollywood films, helping to define the American soundscape of the Roaring Twenties.

One of the team’s most enduring legacies was their work on the 1927 Broadway hit Good News, which included popular songs such as “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “Varsity Drag.” Brown’s lyrics were known for their wit, accessibility, and emotional warmth—qualities that resonated with a wide audience. Even after the trio disbanded in the 1930s, Brown continued to write with other collaborators and contributed to many films and stage shows throughout the decade.

In addition to his work in theatre and film, Brown’s lyrics became standards recorded by generations of artists, from Bing Crosby and Doris Day to Tony Bennett and Michael Feinstein. His ability to craft lyrics that were both timely and timeless ensured that many of his songs would live on well past their original context. Whether writing playful love songs or introspective ballads, Brown had a talent for capturing the emotional nuances of everyday life in simple, elegant language.

Lew Brown passed away on February 5, 1958, leaving behind a legacy of songs that continue to charm and inspire. As one of the key architects of American popular music during its golden age, Brown’s work remains a testament to the power of lyricism in capturing the spirit of a time and the emotions of the human heart. His songs, full of melody and meaning, remain fixtures in the American Songbook.