Cole Porter was one of the most important creators of musicals from the 1920s to the 1950s. He was one of those rare Broadway composers who wrote both lyrics and music. His impressive list of twenty-three Broadway shows included Anything Goes (1934), Kiss Me, Kate (1948), and Can-Can (1953). Porter also wrote songs for films such as Rosalie (1937) and High Society (1956). Porter enjoyed the luxurious lifestyle, and his affluent upbringing is reflected in the wit and sophistication of both his music and his lyrics.

Cole Porter

Cole Porter was born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana, with a proverbial "silver spoon" in his mouth; his grandfather was a multi-millionaire banker. Music was important to the young Cole, and he was already publishing songs at age 11. He continued writing songs and playing piano while a pre-law student at Yale University (B.A.,1913). Law school at Harvard did not fit...