Burton Lane Headshot

Burton Lane

Date of Death: January 05, 1997 (84)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Burton Lane BIO

Burton Lane was an American composer and lyricist, born Morris Hyman Bernstein on February 2, 1912, in New York City. He began his career in the 1930s as a pianist and arranger for various bands, including the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
In 1937, Lane had his first Broadway success with the musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," which he co-wrote with lyricist Alan Jay Lerner. The show was later adapted into a film starring Barbra Streisand. Lane and Lerner went on to collaborate on several other successful shows, including "Royal Wedding" and "Paint Your Wagon."
One of Lane's most famous compositions is the song "Old Devil Moon" from the 1947 musical "Finian's Rainbow," which he co-wrote with E.Y. Harburg. The show was a critical and commercial success, and the song has since become a jazz standard, recorded by numerous artists including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Lane also had success in Hollywood, writing songs for films such as "Babes on Broadway" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," which included the classic song "The Trolley Song." He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "How About You?" from the 1941 film "Babes on Broadway."
In addition to his work in musical theater and film, Lane also wrote songs for television, including the theme song for the popular sitcom "That Girl."
Lane passed away on January 5, 1997, in New York City at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through his numerous contributions to the American musical theater canon, including his classic songs and collaborations with some of the greatest lyricists of all time.

Burton Lane Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Burton Lane, Carmelina

Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Burton Lane, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

Burton Lane Videos

Burton Lane News


The Green Room 42 Presents The Return Of Josie De Guzman This May


Join two-time Tony Award nominee JOSIE DE GUZMAN as she returns to THE GREEN ROOM 42. Known for her roles in GUYS AND DOLLS and WEST SIDE STORY, don't miss her performances on 5/4-5.

Review: Grammy Nominee Jane Monheit Makes OC Return at Irvine Barclay


Returning to Orange County, CA for a one-night-only concert at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, Monheit stunned the audience with her incredible talents, offering fresh live performances of superb tunes—including many from the Broadway stage—that are slated for her upcoming new studio album releasing this summer.

Review: STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN Honors NYC Songs at Carnegie Hall


The beloved concert series STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN continued on February 28th at Carnegie Hall’s intimate Zankel Hall stage. Whether you want a chance to hear American Songbook standards performed live by a true master, or you’re looking to dive deeper and learn more, Feinstein is marvelous to watch. He returns to Carnegie on March 27th.

GRAND HOTEL 35TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION, Alysha Umphress, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week


Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. Learn more about the performances here!

Richard Holbrook to Reprise Cabaret Show at 54 Below in February


54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, will present four time MAC Award nominee Richard Holbrook in a special encore of his critically acclaimed , sold-out 20th anniversary show, Twenty Plus Four In 2024 this February. Find out more here!

Review: BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE Renews Warm Memories of Frank Loesser's Songs at Dizzy's Club


Frank Loesser's songs from Broadway and the movies jumped with jazz at Dizzy's with four musicians, three singers, and one savvy host. 'If I Were a Bell,' I'd ring out the news.

Brent Carver's New Album Receives a Long-Awaited Posthumous Release


Discover the long-awaited release of Brent Carver's posthumous album, now available for streaming on various platforms. Fans of the acclaimed actor and singer can finally enjoy his musical talent and commemorate his legacy.

Lerner & Loewe's CAMELOT to be Presented at Laguna Playhouse This Summer


LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE announces 'Lerner & Loewe's CAMELOT' directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, opening next summer at the LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE. Get the details on this exciting production!

Raleigh Music Publishing Acquires The Song Catalog Of Alan Jay Lerner


Raleigh Music Publishing has acquired for the United States the catalog of the legendary Alan Jay Lerner, comprising some of the most influential and timeless compositions from the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood.

Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS


How do you tell a real princess from a wannabe?  You’ll have a grand time finding out, as Stage West, in a co-production with Theatre TCU, presents the charming, classic fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress, which begins a 3-week run on Thursday, October 19.  Learn more about the production here!

Alice Ripley to Present BELIEVE IT OR NOT at The Green Room 42


THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present Tony Award winner Alice Ripley in her new show “Believe It or Not” on Saturday, September 3o with shows at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Nadia Quinn to Present LITERALLY ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN at The Green Room 42 This Month


THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present TV, film and Broadway’s fun, funny, magical gal Nadia Quinn in her one-of-a-kind feel-good variety act “Literally Anything Can Happen” for two performances on Saturday, September 23 and Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 PM.

The Green Room 42 to Present Australian Drag and Theater Legend Trevor Ashley Next Month


THE GREEN ROOM 42 – the intimate concert venue dubbed Broadway's “off-night hotspot” by The New York Times – will present Australian drag and theater legend Trevor Ashley, best known from the TV hit “Queen of the Universe,” in the new show “Queen of the Moment” for two performances on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 at 9:30 PM.

Josie de Guzman to Present BACK WHERE I STARTED at The Green Room 42


Join in at The Green Room 42 for an unforgettable performance by Josie de Guzman in BACK WHERE I STARTED. This must-see show is running for a limited time only, so secure your seats today and witness her incredible talent.

New York Debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER is Coming to The Green Room 42


Get ready for the highly anticipated New York debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER at The Green Room 42. Don't miss this limited engagement performance! Find out all the details and secure your tickets now.

The Green Room 42 Unveils New Look And New Season


THE GREEN ROOM 42 – the intimate concert venue dubbed Broadway’s “off-night hotspot” by The New York Times – has announced a special reopening with a dazzling renovation.

Paul Iacono, Josie de Guzman & More Set for September Lineup at The Green Room 42


Get ready for an incredible lineup of performances at The Green Room 42 this September! Find out who will be taking the stage and when you can catch these talented artists in action. Don't miss out on these unforgettable shows - get all the information you need right here.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is The Inaugural Production Of Core Theatre Group, Hudson Valley's Newest Professional Theatre Company


The Hudson Valley's newest Professional Theatre Company, Core Theatre Group (CTG), founded by Broadway vets and Warwick locals Jessica McRoberts, Pat McRoberts, Paul Loesel and Chuck Ragsdale, announce their first production following company launch with inaugural cabaret fundraiser on Friday, July 14, 2023. 

Isaac Mizrahi, Jason Danieley, Adam Pascal, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month


Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret, honor the music of Broadway, and provide an unparalleled experience to diverse communities.

Samuel Vincent Aubuchon's LOVE REVOLUTION! to Celebrate Broadway's SONGS ABOUT SEX in September


In his NYC solo cabaret debut, Samuel Vincent Aubuchon's LOVE REVOLUTION! is an hour of raucous comedy and a celebration of the sexiest songs from the Broadway and musical theater canon.

Burton Lane FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Burton Lane written?

Burton Lane has written 8 shows including Earl Carroll's Vanities [1931] (Composer), Singin' the Blues (Composer), Hold on to Your Hats (Composer), Laffing Room Only (Composer/Lyricist), Finian's Rainbow (Composer), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (Composer), Carmelina (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer).

What awards has Burton Lane been nominated for?

Burton Lane has been nominated for the following awards: - Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "Carmelina" - Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever"

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