Dana Suesse

Full biography Dana Suesse

Dana Suesse was an American musician , composer, and lyricist born in 1909 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was considered a child prodigy and began composing music at a young age. She studied under renowned teachers such as Rubin Goldmark and Nadia Boulanger , who helped shape her unique style that incorporated classical, jazz, and popular music elements.

Suesse found early success as a songwriter, writing music for the theater and collaborating with lyricists such as E.Y. "Yip" Harburg and Edward Heyman. One of her most well-known songs is "You Oughta Be in Pictures," which she wrote in 1934.

Despite her early success, Suesse’s reputation faded over time, and her music fell into obscurity. However, in recent years, her work has been rediscovered, and she is now considered an important figure in the history of American music.

Suesse’s compositions are notable for their intricate melodies and harmonies, as well as their playful and upbeat tone. She was often called the “girl Gershwin” by the New York press in the 1930s, a testament to her talent and influence in the music industry.

Today, Suesse is remembered as a groundbreaking composer and one of the few female composers of her time to achieve commercial success. Her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.