FRANK LOESSER is one of the most versatile Broadway composers in history. He wrote five Broadway musicals.  Each one was very different from the other and they all contributed to the art of the American musical theater. The three most famous musicals were Guys And Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

Before writing for Broadway, Loesser had dozens of popular hits from his Hollywood career.  He wrote the 1948 Academy Award winner, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Born June 29, 1910, in New York City, Frank never studied music formally, although he came from a musical family. His father was a distinguished German-born teacher of classical piano and his older brother, Arthur, was a renowned concert pianist, musicologist and music critic. Frank refused to study classical music. His interest was in pop music, which his father disdained. So he taught himself, first the harmonica, then the piano in his early teens.

In 1961, Loesser won the Pulitzer Prize and seven Tony Awards for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. It ran four years on Broadway and many of the songs are still enormous hits.

At this time of year, we remember Frank Loesser for his beautiful song, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?  Written in 1947, it has been recorded by many artists. But, for me, no one sings it better than Clay Aiken.  It is a song that just fits his voice and personality.  It was always a show-stopper when he sang it as a part of his Christmas concerts.

Maybe it’s much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year’s
New Year’s Eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year’s Eve

Maybe I’m crazy to suppose
I’d ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You’d receive

Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year’s
New Year’s Eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year’s Eve

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

The following performance by Clay Aiken is from Pasadena, CA.  It is an amazing performance as you can see so many emotions in a short song.  He certainly made the day for a few people in the audience.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsOj7vqrSws