June 18: Sammy Cahn, All the Way

Lyricist Sammy Cahn (Cohen), whose collaborations produced such hits as “All the Way”, “Three Coins in the Fountain”, “Love and Marriage”, “Come Fly with Me”, and “High Hopes” (all sung by Frank Sinatra, who recorded 89 of Cahn’s songs), was born on the Lower East Side on this date in 1913. His other memorable songs included “It’s Been a Long, Long Time”, “Time After Time”, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”, and many more, including four Academy Award winners. Cahn, who lived to 79, was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972 and took over its presidency when Johnny Mercer, the founder, fell ill. To see Sinatra singing “All the Way,” look below.

“Cahn and [Jimmy] Van Heusen [his key collaborator] were a dynamic combination, being so modern in what they brought to songs of their era: jazz, snap, swagger, heart and great craft.” —Michael Feinstein