Cole Porter

Cole Porter (1891–1964) was an American composer and songwriter celebrated for his sophisticated lyrics and melodies. Born in Peru, Indiana, he studied at Yale University and later at Harvard, where he turned from law to music. Porter wrote songs for Broadway and Hollywood, becoming one of the defining voices of the Great American Songbook. His work is known for wit, urbane romance, and inventive rhyme. Among his best-known standards are “Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “Begin the Beguine.” His Broadway successes include *Anything Goes* and *Kiss Me, Kate*. Porter continued composing after a serious riding accident in 1937.