Jimmy Van Heusen

Jimmy Van Heusen was inarguably one of the most accomplished songwriters in history. Claiming four "Oscars" and one Emmy award among his credits he also wrote more songs (85) recorded by Frank Sinatra, his long time friend, than any other composer. He also composed the songs for another good friend, Bing Crosby for six of the seven Crosby/Hope Road pictures. In spite of such accolades he personally felt one of his biggest honors was being elected by his peers as one of the original inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971. Most of his songs were written with two lyricist partners Johnny Burke (1940 to 1953) and then Sammy Cahn. Jimmy was born Edward Chester Babcock on January 26, 1913 in Syracuse New York to Ida and Arthur Babcock. His close friends called him Chester or "Chet". From early on he was always entertaining audiences with his wit and musical skill though not always gaining the support of all. He was once expelled from Central High in Syracuse after performing the