Harry Akst

Harry Akst was among the quintessential Tin Skillet Alley composers, churning away dozens of strikes through the 1920s, including classics of the proper execution like “Am We Blue?,” “Baby Encounter,” “Dinah,” “First, Last and Usually,” “Stella,” and “Travelin’ Light.” Given birth to in NEW YORK in 1894, Akst became a member of Irving Berlin’s posting organization in 1919 as an employee pianist and — with Berlin’s lyrical help — made up his first strike, “Home Once again Blues,” 2 yrs later. (It had been Berlin’s last collaborative structure.) In 1925, Akst wrote the melody for “Dinah,” and after lyrics had been added by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Small, the track became a cherished regular performed by Ethel Waters, Eddie Cantor, Bing Crosby, and many more. Another all-time traditional, “Baby Encounter,” followed twelve months later on (with lyrics by Benny Davis). Waters also gained a big strike with Akst’s 1929 structure “Am I Blue?,” with lyrics by Give Clarke. His last main track, “Travelin’ Light,” made an appearance in 1937, with lyrics by Sidney Claire. Harry Akst passed away in 1963.