Great American Songbook Foundation

The Great American Songbook wouldn’t be what it is without the contributions of LGBTQIA+ artists, composers, lyricists, arrangers, and performers.

From Billy Strayhorn’s groundbreaking compositions and arrangements to Angela Morley’s remarkable work as a composer and arranger, and from Frances Faye’s trailblazing career in cabaret to countless other artists who challenged expectations and expanded the possibilities of American popular music, LGBTQIA+ creators have helped shape the music that continues to connect us today.

Some lived openly; others could not. Yet their influence can still be heard in the songs, performances, and musical traditions that resonate across generations.

We are proud to be home to collections that celebrate LGBTQIA+ artists and their music. By preserving and sharing their stories, we honor their contributions while supporting LGBTQIA+ creators shaping music and culture today.

If you're from or visiting Carmel, Indiana (where our headquarters are located), be sure to stop by the lobby of our friends at the Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection and check out our newly updated display case!

This season's display features a collection of favorite summer movie picks, including classics such as "Funny Girl" starring Barbra Streisand, "The Wizard of Oz," and "Singin' in the Rain." The Songbook Library & Archives is showcasing these beloved films through DVDs, LPs, CDs, and other formats that help preserve their enduring legacy.

Today we celebrate the birthdays of entertainment legends Bob and Dolores Hope! Born on this day in 1903, Bob Hope became one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century, while Dolores Hope, born May 27, 1909, left her own remarkable legacy as a talented singer and dedicated philanthropist.

In honor of this legendary couple, we're sharing "Come Rain or Come Shine," arranged for Dolores Hope and preserved as part of the Bob and Dolores Hope Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives.

We've brushed on a fresh new look at the Traditions Senior Communities Songbook Gallery!

The gallery is looking fresh and vibrant after receiving a brand-new coat of paint as we prepare for an exciting new exhibit.

We can't wait to welcome visitors back to experience the refreshed space and discover what's next in our celebration of the music, artists, and stories of the Great American Songbook.

Stay tuned for more details on the new exhibit!

Today, we remember and honor the brave individuals who gave their lives while serving in our Armed Forces.

In their honor, we are spotlighting one of the many Songbook artists who served our country, Tony Martin. A celebrated singer and actor, Martin’s talents entertained millions, while his military service reflected another important part of his remarkable legacy.

Learn more about Tony Martin’s service and story in one of our "Archives Artifacts" blog.

https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/the-songbook-blog-items/archives-artifacts-honoring-veterans-through-song-in-the-cyd-charisse-and-tony-martin-collection/

Today, not too far from our headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, the 110th Running of the Indy 500 takes place at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 🏁

To celebrate this iconic tradition, we’re sharing two photos from the Cyd Charisse and Tony Martin Collection at the Songbook Library & Archives featuring Cyd Charisse and Tony Hulman with the Borg-Warner Trophy in 1957. That year, Charisse presented the trophy to race winner Sam Hanks in a year which also featured the inaugural 500 Festival and Parade.

Here’s to the history, excitement, and traditions of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

Hit the road with the perfect soundtrack! 🚗🎶

Today for National Road Trip Day, we’re sharing our Songbook Selections Adventurer Playlist featuring classics and favorites that are perfect for singing along mile after mile. Whether you’re headed across the country or just taking the scenic route home, these timeless tunes are ready to ride shotgun.

Listen now at - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cDYp5erUcp2WnrB0luDvk?si=OVHQOMG2SQGncT30Lji61w

What is your favorite song for a road trip playlist?

Today for International Tea Day, we’re celebrating with a recent movement activity from our Perfect Harmony Resources featuring the classic song "Tea for Two" by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar.

Perfect Harmony is a music resource designed to help care partners identify meaningful generational music and activities that engage older adults through shared musical experiences.

Visit TheSongbook.org/ph-resources to explore free Perfect Harmony activity packets and discover more ways music can bring people together.

https://youtu.be/e2vSwzKI8N0

Perfect Harmony: "Tea for Two" | MOVEMENT Perfect Harmony is a music resource that helps care partners identi...

Today on National Band Directors Day, we’re celebrating not only the incredible directors and conductors who inspire musicians every day, but also one of the great Songbook bandleaders Meredith Willson, creator of “The Music Man” — one of musical theater’s most beloved stories centered around yet another bandleader (or at least someone pretending to be one).

To mark the occasion, we’re sharing photos from the Meredith Willson Collection housed in the Songbook Library & Archives. These materials are also featured in our online exhibit, "The Unsinkable Meredith Willson."

Explore more from the exhibit here: https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/the-songbook-blog-items/the-unsinkable-meredith-willson/