Matt Dennis | Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriter, jazz vocalist and pianist

Browse Song Catalog: ASCAP

Matt Dennis

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Wrote "Angel Eyes" and "Let's Get Away From It All"

Matt Dennis, who was born into a musical family in Seattle, joined the Horace Heidt Orchestra in the 1930s, later working with Dick Haymes, Martha Tilton and the Stafford Sisters. 

Composer Matt Dennis (1914 - 2004) and Lyricist Tom Adair (1913 – 1988) teamed up to write “Let's Get Away From It All,” “Everything Happens to Me” and “The Night We Called It a Day,” three of the most memorable songs recorded by Frank Sinatra during his stint as vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in the early 1940s.

Following his success with Tom Adair, Dennis went on to military service in World War II. After his return, Dennis worked in radio and night clubs and achieved success as a jazz vocalist and pianist, recording a number of albums. His 1953 composition, “Angel Eyes” (with lyrics by Earl Brent) is a much performed standard.

Co-writing partner of Tom Adair

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