George M. Cohan

George M. Cohan was an American composer, lyricist, playwright, producer, and performer, often hailed as "the father of American musical comedy." Born on July 3, 1878, in Providence, Rhode Island, he grew up in a vaudeville family act called “The Four Cohans.” He took to the stage at a young age and was writing songs and skits by his teens.

Cohan revolutionized American theatre in the early 20th century with his fast-paced, patriotic, and distinctly American musicals. His best-known songs—“Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “Over There”—became national anthems during wartime and remain iconic today.

As a playwright and producer, Cohan created over 50 Broadway musicals, often writing the script, music, lyrics, and starring in the production. His 1904 hit Little Johnny Jones marked the beginning of a new era in American musical theatre, blending catchy music with a uniquely American voice and outlook.

Cohan’s showmanship, energy, and flair made him a beloved figure on and off the stage. He received a special Congressional Gold Medal in 1940 for his contributions to American morale during World War I, a rare honor for a civilian artist.

George M. Cohan died on November 5, 1942, in New York City. A statue of him still stands in Times Square—one of the few monuments to a theatre artist there—underscoring his enduring influence on American musical theatre.