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Cliff Burwell

1898 – 1977

American songwriter

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About Cliff Burwell

Lived 1898 – 1977 (aged 78–79). Cliff Burwell was an American songwriter, pianist, composer and music arranger.

Clifford R. Burwell (October 6, 1898 – October 10, 1976) was an American pianist and composer. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on October 6, 1898. His most popular composition was "Sweet Lorraine," with lyrics by Mitchell Parish. Career Billy Mayerl's 1924 arrangement of "Georgie Porgie", sung by Rudy Vallee in 1928 for Victor Records, with Burwell providing piano accompaniment. He played piano in dance bands in the 1920s, including touring with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. His compositions included "Swing Express to Harlem" "Going Wacky" and "Why." He became the pianist and arranger for the Rudy Vallee band in 1928. The song "Sweet Lorraine" was introduced on the radio by Rudy Vallee in 1928. That year it was recorded by Vallee and also Johnny Johnson & his Hotel Statler Pennsylvanians. It was recorded by Isham Jones in 1932 and Teddy Wilson in 1935 both for Brunswick. The King Cole Trio recording on Decca in 1940 established Nat King Cole as a singer.

He played piano with the Rudy Vallee band from 1928 to 1943. He died in New Haven on October 10, 1976.

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Important facts

Born
1898, New Haven
Birth century
Died
1977, West Haven
Nationality
Also known as
Clifford R. "Cliff" Burwell, Clifford R. Burwell

People in Cliff Burwell's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Cliff Burwell's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Cliff Burwell?

American songwriter

When was Cliff Burwell born?

Cliff Burwell was born in 1898 in New Haven.

When did Cliff Burwell die?

Cliff Burwell died in 1977 in West Haven.

What was Cliff Burwell's occupation?

Cliff Burwell was a songwriter, pianist, composer and music arranger.

What nationality was Cliff Burwell?

Cliff Burwell was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Cliff Burwell

· Wikidata: Q5132560

· DBpedia: Cliff Burwell

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Cliff Burwell. https://biography.guide/cliff-burwell/

MLA: "Cliff Burwell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/cliff-burwell/.

Chicago: "Cliff Burwell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/cliff-burwell/.

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