George Cohan

George Cohan

The Father of American Musical Comedy
George Cohan was the second born child into “The Four Cohans” of Vaudeville theatre.   The earliest recorded date of George was his baptism certificate July 3, 1878.   His parents known as Jerry and Nellie stopped their circuit in theatre so the could have George in their hometown of Providence, just as they had done with Josephine their oldest child.   George grew up his whole life onstage performing with his family, and traveling all over the America but always bypassing New York because Jerry said New York was to hardnosed for their act.   At the age of 14 George tried encouraging his father to bring the act to New York, when his father said no George decided to run away and go alone.   When Jerry found out about this he decided the whole family should just run away there and Jerry booked a performance.
The Cohans made their debut in New York at B.F. Keith's new Union Square Theater in 1893.   The only problem was that Keith had to fill the bill so he put each Cohan on at a separate time George was so furious he yelled at Keith to the point where he was almost fired.   But instead they just made him the opening act where he sang a song and was not any good.   On the other hand his sister Josie’s song and dance was so popular it paid their way on the bill for the whole entire year.   Josie came into the spotlight pushing George aside and not allowing him to get any bookings.   But made good use of his down time by writing songs "Why Did Nellie Leave Her Home?" was his first published song in 1893.   After that George put out a sting of hits and even wrote a few acts, Jerry recognized his talent and got the whole family back together and performing to George’s acts and song.   The Cohans became the most highly paid four-act in vaudeville, eventually earning $1000 a week.   In the 1890’s was a fortune.   When audiences demanded more at the end of shows George would say,   "Ladies and gentlemen, my mother thanks you, my father...