Lew Brown Sheet Music

About Lew Brown

Lew Brown, born Louis Brownstein in Odessa, Russia, was an eminent American lyricist whose prolific output significantly shaped the sound of popular music during the Tin Pan Alley era and the Roaring Twenties. As one-third of the legendary songwriting and music publishing team DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson, he became synonymous with catchy melodies and witty, accessible lyrics that captured the optimistic spirit of the Jazz Age. His contributions to Broadway shows and Hollywood films produced numerous enduring hits, making him a pivotal figure in American musical history.

  • Lew Brown was born Louis Brownstein in Odessa, Russian Empire (now Ukraine) in 1893, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was five years old.
  • He formed his most successful songwriting partnership in 1925 with Buddy DeSylva and composer Ray Henderson, a trio that created hits for Broadway and film until 1931.
  • Brown co-wrote the lyrics for many iconic songs, including "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries," "Button Up Your Overcoat," "The Birth of the Blues," and "That Old Feeling."
  • By 1939, Brown estimated that he had written or collaborated on approximately 7,000 songs.

Lew Brown's sheet music offers a delightful journey into the heart of early 20th-century American popular song, making it ideal for performers of various skill levels. Pianists and vocalists, in particular, will find his compositions rewarding, as many were originally designed for voice and piano, reflecting the era's performance styles. Ensemble musicians can also explore arrangements of his works, which often featured in big band and orchestral settings. Performing Brown's music is a chance to engage with timeless melodies and clever, often playful lyrics that continue to resonate, providing a rewarding experience through their historical charm and inherent musicality.

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