(1891-1964)

Who Was Cole Porter?

A talented composer and songwriter, Cole Porter handled both music and lyrics with ease, and conquered Broadway and Hollywood with his witty songs. His work includes "Night and Day" and "I've Got You Under My Skin." However, his life was marred by a 1937 riding accident that left him unable to walk. He died in California in 1964, having written more than 800 songs.

Early Life

Cole Porter was born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana. His mother gave him the middle name Albert later in his life. With a wealthy grandfather, James Omar Cole, Porter had a comfortable childhood, during which he studied the violin and piano. He preferred the piano, and was soon practicing for two hours every day. At age 11, he wrote a song that his mother helped him publish.

While an undergrad at Yale University, Porter wrote the fight song "Bulldog," as well as other pieces for student productions; his output during these years totaled approximately 300 songs. As his grandfather didn't want him to have a career in music, Porter was dispatched to Harvard's law school. However, he soon switched to studying music (though his grandfather was told he continued to be a law student).

Living in Europe

After his first musical, See America First, made an unsuccessful appearance on Broadway in 1916, Porter went to France the next year. World War I was still in progress, and he sent home (untrue) reports that he had joined the French Foreign Legion. Porter was actually participating in an active Parisian social life. In 1919, he married Linda Lee Thomas, a widowed socialite.

Porter's life with Thomas featured travel around Europe. The two set up a home in Paris, and later rented the Palazzo Rezzonico in Venice, Italy. Porter didn't depend on music for an income; in addition to his wife's money, he received financial support from his family. However, he continued to create songs, with his numbers appearing in some London shows.

Musical Success

Porter wrote "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)" for Paris (1928). The song was a hit, and the beginning of a successful Broadway career that reached new heights in the 1930s. For Gay Divorce (1932), which starred Fred Astaire, Porter wrote "Night and Day." Anything Goes (1934) contained more popular numbers, including "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "You're the Top."

Other notable songs Porter wrote during this decade are "Begin the Beguine" (1935) and "It's De-Lovely" (1936). His talents found a home on the big screen as well: "Easy to Love" (1936) "I've Got You under My Skin" (1936) and "In the Still of the Night" (1937) were all written for the movies.

Accident and Aftermath

In 1937, Porter was in a riding accident; his horse fell on top of him, crushing both of his legs. The aftereffects of his injuries would force Porter to endure more than 30 operations and years of pain. However, in spite of this, he continued to work, producing memorable songs like "Friendship" (1939) and "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (1942).

Some of Porter's post-accident Broadway shows were successful, if forgettable, such as Something For The Boys (1943). He had a huge flop with Around the World (1946), directed by and starring Orson Welles. In Kiss Me, Kate (1948), adapted from William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, Porter once again had a musical hit, receiving a Tony award for his work. The show's songs include "Too Darn Hot" and "I've Come To Wive It Wealthily In Padua."

Later Years and Death

Porter's wife died in 1954. Despite his years of extramarital homosexual relationships, she had been a source of friendship and support, and her death was a blow for Porter. He continued to work on both Broadway shows and films—gaining an Academy award nomination for "True Love," written for High Society (1956)—but he also escaped into alcohol and painkillers.

In 1958, due to his accident, Porter had to have his right leg amputated. Afterward, he stopped writing songs. He also withdrew from public life, telling friends, "I am only half a man now." At 73, he died in Santa Monica, California, on October 15, 1964.

QUICK FACTS

  • Birth Year: 1891
  • Birth date: June 9, 1891
  • Birth State: Indiana
  • Birth City: Peru
  • Birth Country: United States
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: A gifted composer and lyricist, Cole Porter created songs like "Night and Day," and the music for Broadway shows such as 'Anything Goes' and 'Kiss Me, Kate.'
  • Industries
    • Music
    • Theater and Dance
  • Astrological Sign: Gemini
  • Schools
    • Harvard University
    • Yale University
  • Interesting Facts
    • Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" (1930), a song about prostitution, was temporarily banned from being broadcast.
  • Death Year: 1964
  • Death date: October 15, 1964
  • Death State: California
  • Death City: Santa Monica
  • Death Country: United States

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CITATION INFORMATION

  • Article Title: Cole Porter Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: The Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/cole-porter
  • Access Date:
  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: April 22, 2021
  • Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

QUOTES

  • I've done lots of work at dinner, sitting between two bores. I can feign listening beautifully. I can work anywhere.
  • Few people realize how architecturally excellent [Cole Porter's] music is. There's a foundation, a structure and an embellishment. Then you add the emotion he's put in and the result is Cole Porter.