Al Goodman

Alfred Goodman (August 12, 1890 – January 10, 1972) was a conductor, songwriter, stage composer, musical director, arranger, and pianist.

Early years Goodman was born in Nikopol, Ukraine, (another source says that he was born in Odessa, Ukraine). was a cantor in a synagogue in Odessa. Goodman sang in a choir when he was 5 years old and had become fluent in reading music by age 6. When he was about 7, the family left Russia to escape a pogrom. Disguised as farmers, they made their way to Romania. There they lost their money but escaped to the United States and settled in Baltimore. Goodman graduated from Baltimore City College and the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. He earned money by playing piano for films at the Pickwick Theatre in Baltimore.

He was in such demand that it was not uncommon for him to conduct the orchestra of a show for the first few performances, and then hand the baton over to another while he prepared for a new production. In addition to his many assignments as one of RCA Victor's most talented conductors and arrangers, Goodman was kept busy directing the music for radio network shows.

Programs on which he worked included Al Goodman's Musical Album (1951–1953), The Bob Hope Show, The Family Hour, The Fred Allen Show (1945–1949), The Gulf Show, Hit the Jackpot, The Intimate Revue, The James Melton Show, Palmolive Beauty Box Theater (1935–1937), The Prudential Family Hour, Showboat, Texaco Star Theater, Your Hit Parade (1935–1938), and The Ziegfeld Follies of the Air (1932),

On television, Goodman worked on Colgate Comedy Hour, The Donald O'Connor Show, Fireball Fun for All, and Sound Off Time.

Goodman wrote some memorable songs such as "When Hearts Are Young", "Call of Love" and "Twilight". He also worked on several musicals such as The Band Wagon, Good News and Ziegfeld Follies.

Personal life and death Goodman was married to Fannie Sneidman. He died in New York City.