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Hugh Martin, 'Merry Little Christmas' Composer, Dies at 96
- Posted on Mar 13th 2011 5:30PM by Tina Benitez-Eves
Bill Wechter
In a career spanning 70 years, Martin was best known for penning Broadway scores and film musicals that birthed classics like 'Merry Christmas' and 'The Trolley Song.' The Broadway composer, along with songwriting partner Ralph Blane (who passed away in 1995), wrote the score for the 1944 film 'Meet Me in St. Louis," which featured a young Judy Garland singing what would become a Christmas standard, as well as 'The Trolley Song' and 'The Boy Next Door.'
Born in Birmingham, Ala. on August 11, 1914, Martin started writing for Broadway in 1941 with 'Best Foot Forward' and later with 'Make a Wish,' 'High Spirits' and 'Hoorray for What!" In 1944, Martin was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'The Trolley Song' and again in 1947 for his song 'Pass the Peace Pipe' from the film 'Good News.'
Throughout his career, the composer also produced music for the films 'Athena,' 'The Girl Most Likely,' both starring Jane Powell and the film version of his Broadway hit 'Best Foot Forward,' starring the comic legend Lucille Ball.
Most recently, Martin's life and Hollywood exploits were revealed in a 2010 autobiography, 'Hugh Martin: The Boy Next Door.' He is survived by his brother Gordon Martin, nieces Hanners and Lua Martin Wells and nephews Gordon Martin Jr. and Hugh Martin III.
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Red Sam Rackham
Cause of death UNKNOWN? He was 96! Try old age FGS! Still, R.I.P. Hugh Martin.☺
March 14 2011 at 1:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
charles3252
One of the greatest holiday songs of all times!
March 14 2011 at 1:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
lita
One of my favorite Christmas songs. Would love to have thanked him for it.
March 14 2011 at 12:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
JEB BUCKINGHAM
God bless you, Hugh! have yourself a merry litle forever in Heaven. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a wonderful, beautiful classic.
March 14 2011 at 11:58 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Steven R. Russell
Bless his heart.
I wonder where he's spending eternity.
l1a1h1
I wonder, did he write his own eulogy? I've written what I want on my urn...What are YOU looking at?"
March 14 2011 at 11:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
ssknowflake
truely enjoyed his gift of music. condolensces to his family and loved ones.
March 14 2011 at 11:00 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Richard Harland Smith
2 replies to Richard Harland Smith's comment
The lyric "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow" is one of the most perfect encapsulations of living life as I've ever heard.
March 14 2011 at 10:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
David
Absolutely right ... I remember James Taylor singing this just after 9/11. A long, long life lived well, giving much joy through your craft to others, Mr. martin. God bless and pleasant journey.
March 14 2011 at 10:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Pat
This should be everyone's attitude.
I sure as heck try to thnk that way.
Pat
R.I.P. Mr. Martin.
His sweet 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' was the perfect sentiment for the season. And who will ever forget Judy Garland singing 'The Trolley Song'?
This is a real loss for the music industry.
jeff
2 replies to jeff's comment
I always wished I could be that talented. Imagine the joy these songs and tunes have brought to generations and what they will bring for generations!
March 14 2011 at 10:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
dgedu1
Most recently, Martin's life and Hollywood exploits were revealed in a 2010 autobiography, 'Hugh Martin: The Boy Next Door.' He is survived by his brother Gordon Martin, nieces Hanners and Lua Martin Wells and nephews Gordon Martin Jr. and Hugh Martin III.I am an Air Force and single at present .I need a woman who can love me back ..I also uploaded my hot photos on Uniformedmate .C oM under the name of hoho212..It's the largest and best club for seeking Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Police Force, and the admirers of those who wear the uniform.I just hope you don't mind me being a soldier ...Please Check it out!I'm serious.
xielou
The Boy Next Door.' He is survived by his brother Gordon Martin, nieces Hanners and Lua Martin Wells and nephews Gordon Martin Jr. and Hugh Martin III.btw,I'm a doctor,30 ,rich but still single.It's hard to get a girlfriend in my town ,most of them like my money more than like me.I just want to find my true love.so i uploaded my hot photos on millionairesocial .c om under the name of hotlove2.u dont have to be a millionaire,but u can meet one there. ..if you girls see this comment,i hope you will check my photos out there.maybe you are the one whom i'm looking for!!!
March 14 2011 at 12:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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