George M. Cohan (1878, 1942) was an American songwriter, composer, and performer who defined the sound of early 20th-century musical theater. He wrote over 40 Broadway shows and hundreds of songs, establishing himself as a titan of American popular music during the vaudeville and early musical theater era. His melodies were instantly singable and his lyrics captured the energy and optimism of his time, making him one of the most performed composers in American musical theater.
"Give My Regards to Broadway" remains one of Cohan's most enduring standards. Written for his 1904 show "Little Johnny Jones," the song became a rallying cry for theater lovers everywhere and has been recorded countless times across jazz, pop, and theatrical contexts. Cohan's gift for writing uncomplicated yet memorable tunes gave singers at every level a vehicle for joy and showmanship.