Fascinating Works by Herbert Magidson
Herbert A. Magidson (1906–1986) was a highly influential American lyricist whose prolific career spanned from New York’s Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood’s golden age of musicals. He is best known for his contributions to popular music and film, as well as for being the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Major Achievements
Magidson won the inaugural Oscar in the category for Best Original Song for "The Continental" from The Gay Divorcee (1934). He found success in Hollywood, writing lyrics for numerous films and Broadway revues, becoming one of the top lyricists in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.
Notable Works
Magidson co-wrote "The Continental" (from The Gay Divorcee, 1934) with composer Con Conrad, a song that secured his place in history as the first recipient of the Best Original Song Oscar. His poignant ballad "I’m Afraid the Masquerade Is Over," written with Allie Wrubel, has become a jazz and pop standard, covered by artists across generations. Magidson also worked on notable musicals such as The Great Ziegfeld, Life of the Party, Radio City Revels, Music in Manhattan, Sing Your Way Home, and more.
Career Highlights
After studying at the University of Pittsburgh, Magidson moved to New York in 1928 and quickly found success writing for Tin Pan Alley music publishers. By 1929, he was working in Hollywood, collaborating on musicals and contributing to the soundscape of American cinema’s formative years.
Influence and Legacy
Herb Magidson’s lyrics enriched the Great American Songbook, and his songs continue to be recorded and performed. His work bridges the worlds of jazz, film, and traditional pop, demonstrating versatility and deep emotional resonance.