Music is the thing that has no language barrier, is free, and brings color to life. And to create music is a lot of task in itself, which James ‘Jimmy’ Van Heusen did beautifully.
Jimmy was an American composer and wrote for many films, television, and shows for those who don’t know. He is also the recipient of Emmy and four Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Today we will be talking more about this amazing man and the music he created.
Let’s start with some facts first.
Jimmy Van Heusen: Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Edward Chester Babcock |
|---|---|
| Birth Date: | January 26, 1913 |
| Birth City: | Syracuse, New York, US |
| Died: | February 6, 1990 |
| Horoscope: | Aquarius |
| Ethnicity: | White |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 6 feet 2 inches(186 cm) |
| Profession: | Songwriter, Pianist |
| Active years: | The mid-1930s- Late 1970s |
| Marital Status: | Married |
Professional Career: Professional Career and Songs
Van started writing music during his college days with help from Harold Arlen. Likewise, he wrote songs for the Cotton Club, including Harlem Hospitality. Not to mention, Van became the staff pianist for some of the Tin Pan Alley publishers. And he later wrote ‘It’s the Dreamer in Me.’
Moreover, he collaborated with Eddie DeLange and wrote songs like Heaven Can Wait, So Help Me, and Darn That Dream. In 1940 alone, Van created wrote over 60 songs. Besides, that same year, he teamed up with lyricist Johnny Burke, moved to Hollywood, and started writing for stage musicals and films.
From the 1940s to the early 1950s, the young composer created numerous songs. In fact, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘Swinging on a Star.’ Likewise, some of his iconic songs include All the Way(1957), High Hopes(1959), Call Me Irresponsible(1963), Ain’t That a Kick in the Head(1964), Love and Marriage(1955), Carnival in Flanders(1953), Skyscraper(195), Walking Happy(1966), and many more.
Of course, he did not write the songs solely; Van collaborated with many lyricists to create a masterpiece, including Sammy Cahn. In 1971, Van became an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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Furthermore, as of now, he has composed over 800 songs, of which songs have become standards. His songs have been featured in over 220 films.
Net Worth and Income
Even though Jimmy left the world a long time ago, his music and creation are still with us. He earned enough to live a lavish lifestyle from his successful career as a composer, songwriter, and producer. According to NetWorthroom.com, he has a net worth of $29 million at the moment.
However, other detailed information on his income and assets are still in the shade for now.
Personal Life: Who Is Jimmy Van Heusen’s Wife? Is He Married?
Jimmy was a talented musician, no doubt about that. But he was not, particularly what others call handsome. However, it did not stop Van from being the ladies’ man. In fact, James Kaplan wrote in his book ‘Frank: The Voice(2010)’,
“He played the piano beautifully, wrote gorgeously poignant songs about romance…he had a fat wallet, he flew his own plane; he never went home alone.”
Moreover, many other celebrities describe his magnetism was irresistible. Heusen did not marry until he was 56. He had acquired a reputation as a playboy bachelor who once said, “I dig chicks, booze, music, and Sinatra- in that order.”
However, this lover boy married singer Bobbe Brox in 1969, and their relationship lasted until his death in 1990. Unfortunately, there is not much information on their marriage.
Jimmy Van Heusen: Death
In the late 1970s, Van retired from the music industry and spent a quiet life with his wife. However, in 1990, Heusen died following a stroke at the age of 77. He closed his eyes at his house in Rancho Mirage, California.
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Likewise, his wife, Bobbe, buried him near the Sinatra family in Desert Memorial Park, located in Cathedral City, California. Heusen’s grave marker reads ‘Swinging on a Star.’
Age, Height, and Measurements- How Old Is Jimmy? Is He Dead?
The famous composer and creator of many beautiful melodies, Jimmy was born on January 26, 1913. Even though Van is no longer with us, his music still exists. He died on February 6, 1990, at the age of 77.
Likewise, Van’s talent was not the only thing that attracted the attention of many; it was also his charisma. Standing at the height of 6 feet 2 inches(186 cm), he was not, particularly what you called handsome.
However, it was his magnetism and charisma that caught the eyes of many. He was often described as a person with a magnetic personality.
Early Life, Education, and Early Career
The fantastic composer Jimmy Van Heusen was born in Syracuse, New York, the United States of America, as Edward Chester Babcock. He was raised Methodist by his parents, whose names and whereabouts are unknown.
Similarly, he has not mentioned much when it comes to his siblings, either. So, it is likely that he was an only child. As for his education, Heusen went to Cazenovia College and later enrolled at Syracuse University.
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Likewise, at the age of 16, Van renamed himself, after the shirt maker Phillips Van Heusen, to use his on-air name during local shows. Also, during his college, he became close to Jerry Arlen, the younger brother of Harold Arlen.
