Bing Crosby--A Man and His Dream

Bing Crosby—A Man and His Dream (Decca 1772)

A song written by lyricist Johnny Burke and Jimmy Monaco for the movie, “The Star Maker” in 1939.

Burke was born in California but spent his childhood in Chicago, where his father ran a construction business. He studied piano as a child and later played in the University of Wisconsin-Madison orchestra as a college student. In 1926, Burke secured a job as a pianist and song plugger with the Irving Berlin Publishing Company, where he worked alongside some of the industry's biggest names. Song plugging involved accompanying singers and composers while they showcased their new songs to potential buyers and performers. To supplement his income, Burke also played in jazz bands and performed in vaudeville shows, including those hosted by prominent entertainers of the time.

The young musician was transferred to New York City, where he began to write lyrics in collaboration with composer Harold Spina. There were hits for the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, and a couple of novelties for Fats Waller. In 1937, Burke made the transition to Hollywood, where he started working with Arthur Johnson; however, soon began working with Jimmy Monaco through the late 1930s."

James Vincent “Jimmy” Monaco was born in Formia, Italy in 1885. His family emigrated to Albany, New York and by his late teens, he was playing piano in bars and clubs in Chicago. He later moved to New York City at the age of 25 and wrote his first successful song in 1911 as part of the Broadway revue "Hanky Panky".

For the next twenty-five years, Monaco worked with various lyricists until he was offered an opportunity to work at Paramount Studios in 1936. It was during this period that he collaborated with Burke on several hits, including a song for Bing Crosby's movie "The Star Maker", which also starred Louise Campbell, Linda Ware, and Ned Sparks. The movie was released on August 25, 1939.