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Herb Magidson

1906 – 1986

American popular lyricist

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About Herb Magidson

Lived 1906 – 1986 (aged 79). Herb Magidson was an American lyricist.

Herbert A. Magidson (January 7, 1906 – January 2, 1986) was an American popular lyricist. His work was used in over 23 films and four Broadway revues. He won the first Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1934.

Life and career Magidson was born and raised in Braddock, Pennsylvania. He had an early interest in the art of magic and was a member of the Pittsburgh Association of Magicians in his youth. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and then worked briefly for a music publisher in New York City. Magidson then moved to Hollywood, Los Angeles, California in 1929 while under contract to Warner Bros. to write music for films. Magidson had his last hits in 1951, including the song "Happiness".

He died at the UCLA Medical Hospital in Beverly Hills, California at the age of 79, five days before his 80th birthday, survived by his wife, Elsie.

Published songs For a more complete list, see article on Herb Magidson in Songwriters Hall of Fame.

"Black-Eyed Susan Brown" "Conchita Lopez" "The Continental" (1934) "Enjoy Yourself" (1948) "Gone with the Wind" (1937) "Good Night, Angel" (1937) "H'lo, Baby" "Hummin' to Myself" "I Can't Love You Any More" "I'll Buy That Dream" (1945) "I'll Dance at Your Wedding" (1947) "I'm Stepping Out With a Memory Tonight" "Linger in My Arms a Little Longer, Baby" "The Masquerade Is Over" "Midnight in Paris" "Music, Maestro, Please" (1938) "My Impression of You" "A Pink Cocktail for a Blue Lady" "Roses in December" "Say a Prayer for the Boys Over There" "Something I Dreamed Last Night" "Singin' in the Bathtub" (1929) "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" [not the nursery tune] (1936) "Violins from Nowhere"

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Pittsburgh
Awards
Academy Award for Best Original Song; Songwriters Hall of Fame
Also known as
Herbert A. Magidson

People in Herb Magidson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Herb Magidson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Herb Magidson?

American popular lyricist (1906-1986)

When was Herb Magidson born?

Herb Magidson was born on 7 January 1906 in Braddock.

When did Herb Magidson die?

Herb Magidson died on 2 January 1986 in Beverly Hills.

What was Herb Magidson's occupation?

Herb Magidson was a lyricist.

What nationality was Herb Magidson?

Herb Magidson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Herb Magidson

· Wikidata: Q1607864

· DBpedia: Herb Magidson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Herb Magidson. https://biography.guide/herb-magidson/

MLA: "Herb Magidson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/herb-magidson/.

Chicago: "Herb Magidson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/herb-magidson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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