Cole Porter's Role in Music During the Jazz Age

The 1920's was a time of change for many elements of culture, including jazz music. Known as "The Jazz Age," people of this time were inspired by the songs and Broadway shows that many composers produced. Music during this era offered an escape from the hardships many faced into a relaxing, peaceful world. Though several composers influenced the Jazz Age, Cole Porter proved to be a significant inspiration during this period.

Cole Porter, born in Peru, Indiana, became involved in music at an early age. At only six years old, Cole's mother taught him how to play the piano and made him begin studying the violin. As the years went on, Cole's interest for music continued to grow and he decided to create music to please others. At age ten, Cole composed his first piece, "The Song of the Birds," which he dedicated to his mother. At eleven, Cole produced the piano composition, "The Cocolink Waltz." From this point on, Cole's love for music could only grow.

As Cole's talent emerged throughout his young years, Cole's mother decided to do anything possible to assure her son received musical fame. Cole's mother changed her son's school records when he was fourteen, making him two years younger (age twelve) in order to impress the public more of her son's accomplishments at an early age. She paid to publish his compositions, which were then sent to friends and family. Cole's mother also made local papers give her son great reviews, and made sure her son was the featured violin soloist. She was devoted to the success of her son.

Though Cole's mother paved an easy route for his success, his grandfather, J.O Cole, made it quite difficult. J.O. Cole was not happy with his grandson's musical gift. He wanted Cole to run his coal and timber investments when he got older and was no longer capable to take care of them himself. J.O. Cole promised Cole that if he got a law degree, he would receive one-sixth of his fortune. After graduating at Yale, Cole listened to his grandfather's demands and attended Harvard's Law School. Law did not grab Cole's interest though, but his grandfather felt he "must go back to law, and leave music to the birds" (qtd in The Cole Porter Story 27). It was Cole's "destiny [that] intended [him] for music and not for law, and the fates must not be denied."(qtd in The Cole Porter Story 27). With his mother's help, Cole's grandfather allowed him to attend Harvard's School of Music, while still promising financial support.

Cole Porter began his musical studies in 1913 when he switched from Harvard's Law School to its School of Music. Attending this school for three years, Cole learned about musical theory, counterpoint, music history, and ear training. These studies were only the beginning of a long road to Cole's recognition as a legend. In 1917, Cole furthered his musical training with private studies in NYC headed by the musical director Pietro Yon at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. From there, Cole continued his studies in composition, counterpoint, harmony, orchestration with Vincent D'Indy. From this point on, Cole's long dream for achievement in music now became reality.

Inspiring many people, Cole began using his talent and skills that he had learned from his studies to produce entertainment. Beginning in 1916, Cole completed his first score for a full length Broadway musical comedy, known as "America's First". In 1917, he composed his first popular song , "Tin Pan Alley," and in 1919 he composed another popular song "Bridget". Both songs left people of the "Jazz Age" thrilled and eager for more. Cole also introduced two college songs "Bingo Eli Yale" and "Yale Bulldog Song," which late became famous. While only expressing his talents to the public for a few years, Cole left many impressed with his capabilities. It was evident that Cole was born to influence others, as he was "voted the most entertaining man in his class"(qtd in The Cole Porter Story 24) while attending school in Yale.

As Cole's success blossomed, he was known for his lyrics. Coles lyrics were fixed with smartness, sex attitude, and behavior. They were culturally, literally, and fashionably written. Cole brought "throbbing excitement, purple moods,
Cole's talent was not the only entertainment that he comprised. After marrying Linda Lee Thomas in 1919, Cole set up a partial home on Rue Monsieur in Paris. Cole's house was very classy and held many activities. He hired Monte Carlo Ballet, along with many other groups, to perform at his house and entertain all of his guests.

Cole enjoyed being entertained as much as he loved entertaining others. Cole left many people mesmerized by the songs that he continued to write. In 1929, his songs "I'm In Love Again" and "Fifty Million Frenchmen" thrilled the public. Other songs that he composed during this time include "Don't fence Me In," "It's De-Lovely," and "Miss Otis Regrets." Cole left many composers of his time clueless as to what they could do to top the style and techniques Cole possessed.

While Cole gained much publicity by the songs he wrote, his career on Broadway was just as impressive. In all, Cole composed seven musicals on Broadway during the 1930's, four of which were the best of the period. In 1932, he wrote the classic "The Gay Divorce," and in 1934, he wrote "Anything Goes." Another popular musical was "Leave It To Me," which was written in 1938. While Cole gained much endorsement by his Broadway musicals of this decade, this was not the end. Cole continued to write many other popular musicals, staying committed to what he enjoyed best.

In 1955, during Cole's 40^th year as a composer, he produced his 25^th score, which marked the end for his Broadway career. Known as "Silk Stockings," this show was "everything a musical should be . . . handsome, slick, brisk, intelligent witty, and delightfully acted"(qtd in New Complete Book of the American Musical Theater 480). This show was suggested by the motion picture Ninotchka and cuts fun of the Soviet Union. The show proved to be a perfect end for Cole's long career.

Cole Porter proved his dedication to entertaining the people by staying committed during many hardships. Cole shattered both of his legs in 1937 when a horse fell on him. From this accident on, Cole had gone through several surgeries to save his legs. In 1954, Cole's wife died, which brought even tougher times upon Cole. In 1958, Cole's right leg was amputated, leaving it nearly impossible for Cole to continue his life of pleasing the audiences. On October 15, 1964, after several years of being reclusive, Cole Porter had died. Only a few years before his sickness and death had Cole finally realized it was time to stop entertaining.

Cole Porter's life was dedicated to the enjoyment he received while inspiring others with his music during the "Jazz Age." Cole proved to be committed to his works, while continuing to create music after facing several hardships in his life. Though Cole could have lived comfortably with the wealth in his family, he did not choose to entertain the public for the money. Cole Porter left composers stunned with the unique style he comprised in his lyrics as well as his Broadway musicals. Cole Porter may not be here today, "but the songs, as they say, will live forever"(Clarke n. pag.).

Sources:

Cole Porter's Role in Music during the Jazz Age
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