Songs by George M. Cohan

George M. Cohan wrote, composed, directed and acted in his own plays and was famous for his star-spangled patriotic tunes. But he also wrote in other styles—always simple, elegant and undeniably American. Many of his lesser-known works contained a wry cynicism and dry, semi-cantankerous manner. Cohan himself appeared only on a handful of records. The tenor Billy Murray gave voice to Cohan’s songs in recordings of “You’re a grand old rag” (later retitled to “You’re a grand old flag,”) “The Yankee doodle boy,” and “Harrigan.” Cohan’s music captured a strong sense of what was termed “American Spirit,” with optimism flowing through his lyrics, bursting from his jaunty melodies.