Iowa's Own Music Man

Meredith Willson was born on this day in 1902 in Mason City IA. While he is most famous for his musical The Music Man(1 of 3), he also composed 2 symphonies & several movie soundtracks including Chaplin's The Great Dictator . He was also musical conductor on Burns & Allen's radio show. The Music Man was a love letter to his home state. & the tunes were recorded by a wide variety of people, including The Beatles (Till There Was You). Meredith is still remembered fondly in his hometown. His family home is open for tours. They even have a recreation of the Main Street of River City, Iowa from The Music Man. (I've been there, it is well worth visiting.)

The Music Man

54th Tony Awards

Till There Was You

(The Beatles & Paul McCartney solo)

& finally, something I'll bet you didn't know that he composed:

Chicken Fat