Biography of Hoagy Carmichael

Hoagy Carmichael - Stardust
51 original mono recordings 1924 - 1957

Hoagy Carmichael was an American composer, pianist, singer, actor and bandleader. He is best know for writing 'Stardust' (1927), 'Georgea On My Mind' and 'Heart and Soul', three of the most recorded American songs of all time.

In 1935 Carmichael maried a preacher's daughter Ruth Menardi. He eventually had two sons by this marriage. He moved to California and accepted a contract with Paramount.

Carmichael appeared in a total of 14 motion pictures, always playing at least one of his songs.

Between 1944 and 1948, Carmichael was the host of three musical variety radio programs - Tonight at Hoagy's 1944-1948; Something New 1945-1946 and The Hoagy Carmichael Show from 1946-1948. He also appeared, hosted or wrote the music for many shows during the 1950's. It was also during this time that his marriage dissolved.

In 1961 he wrote and performed a song created especially for the show, 'Yabba-Dabba-Dabba-Dabba-Doo', for the Flinstones.

In 1977 he married Dorothy Wanda McKay. Carmichael died of heart failure on December 7, 1981 and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Bloomington.