February 16 - Alec Wilder (The Musical Birthday Series)

Alec Wilder (16 February 1907 –24  December 1980) was an American composer in both the popular and classical idioms.  He authored a respected book on the American popular song.

Alec Alas

People seldom sing along

With any Alec Wilder song.

Of course a few might still be found

Who know the tune ”I’ll Be Around,”

And if you mention “While We’re Young,”

Perhaps a snippet might be sung.

But by and large it’s safe to say

His songs don’t see the light of day,

And owe precarious survival

To rare and recherché revival,

Interpreted by minor stars

At cabarets and piano bars.

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