Singer, Charles Louis (1912-1966) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Singer, Charles Louis (1912-1966)

Variant Name: Lou Singer

Historical Note: Charles Louis "Lou" Singer (1912-1966) was a pianist, arranger, composer, and radio performer. Born in the Bronx, singer was a child prodigy on piano. He studied counterpoint and harmony at Juilliard. After graduating, he worked for W.C. Handy and Duke Ellington as an arranger. At least two of his songs, "Lost in Meditation" and "Gypsy Without a Song," were recorded by Duke Ellington. In 1947 he received an an Honor Roll for Radio award from the New York Times. In the 1940s he worked as an arranger for Lou Levy. Other hits from this decade include "Keep Smilin' Keep Laughin' Be Happy," "Sleepy Serenade," and "I Will be Home Again," which were recorded by Doris Day, the Andrews Sisters, and Elvis Presley respectively. In the 1950s, Singer collaborated with Paul Glass, writing a series of books about folk music. Singer died in 1966.

Sources: Lou Singer Biography, published by the Argosy Music Corporation, online at: https://www.argosymusiccorp.com/LouSinger/LouSinger.html

Note Author: Nolan Vallier