Samuel Pokrass

Samuel Yakovlevich Pokrass (; 1893 in Kiev , Russian Empire (now Ukraine) – June 15, 1939, in New York City, US) was a Soviet and American composer of Russian-Jewish origin.

Life and education

Pokrass was born in Kiev in 1893. At the age of 10, he was accepted the Kiev college of music, and wrote his first composition, While in a club Pokrass was asked to play from Jake Shubert, a visiting American theatrical producer, who was overall not impressed by Pokrass' original music but soon became more focused on him after hearing Pokrass play "All Alone" by Irving Berlin. This led Shubert to giving Pokrass a contract that lead to the creation of "Cyrano de Bergerac". Stage Play: Ziegfeld Follies (1934) The Farmer in the Dell (1936) Tovarich (1937) A Gypsy Told Me (1938) Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) The Little Princess (1939) The Three Musketeers (1939)

One of his many songs, "My Best Wishes", was used in the opening of the 2000 film The Legend of Bagger Vance.

Family and legacy

Pokrass had several brothers—Dmitry, Daniil, and Arkady—who were also composers and musicians, and remained in the Soviet Union. As a child, Pokrass' father, Yakov Pokrass, smashed a violin over his head which lead to him studying piano. His works contributed to both Soviet and American musical traditions, particularly in film and popular music. Pokrass died in New York City at age 45. Pokrass's music, especially his Red Army songs, became iconic in Soviet history and were adapted internationally. His contributions to Hollywood musicals and popular songs have been recognized for their lasting impact on American film music.

Music composed

White Army, Black Baron also known as "The Red Army Is the Strongest" "Give Me Time" "My Best Wishes" "The Paper Says Rain" "Careful with My Heart" "Follies Chorale Ensemble"