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George Michael Cohan, was an American entertainer, playwrite, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, and producer.
Cohan was born on July 3, 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island. George and his whole family told everyone that he was born on the 4th of July; however, there is a baptismal certificate from the Irish catholic church where he was baptized that says his birthdate is July 3. George’s parents were traveling vaudeville performers and he joined them on stage as an infant as a prop! As soon as he could walk and talk, his parents taught him to sing and dance so he could perform with them. |
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This is the time of year when adults prepare their income tax returns, and George Cohan won recognition by having a tax rule named after him. In 1930, Cohan won a law case against the Internal Revenue Service that allowed the deduction, for federal income tax purposes, of his business travel and entertainment expenses, even though he was not able to document them with certainty. This became known as the "Cohan rule" and is frequently cited in tax cases.
As a child, Cohan and his family performed in vaudeville theaters most of the year and spent summer vacations at his grandmother's home, where he was able to spend time with other kids riding a bike and playing baseball. Cohan's memories of those happy summers inspired the musical 50 Miles from Boston, which contains one of his most famous songs, “Harrigan". In “Harrigan”, Cohan both celebrates and mocks his Irish heritage. The song has been adapted for use in political campaigns, including that of President John F. Kennedy, who was also of Irish heritage. |
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George Cohan was called "the greatest single figure the American theatre ever produced – as a player, playwright, actor, composer and producer." In 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt presented him with the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to World War I soldier morale, in particular the songs "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There.” Cohan was the first person in any artistic field selected for this honor, which previously had gone only to military and political leaders, philanthropists, scientists, inventors, and explorers.
Cohan wrote the World War I song "Over There" in 1917. "Over There" was popular with United States soldiers in both world wars. It was a song designed to encourage American young men to enlist in the army. Cagney was recognized for his efforts to entertain war troops overseas. |
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