Milton Ager

Full biography Milton Ager

Milton Ager was an American composer born on October 6, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a self-taught pianist who taught himself how to play the piano. Ager is regarded as one of the major songwriters of the 1920s. Together with lyricist Jack Yellen, he wrote several famous songs, including the enduring standard "Ain't She Sweet."

In 1916 , Ager moved to New York City, where he worked as a pianist and songwriter. He started his musical career writing music for vaudeville shows before turning his attention to popular music. Ager formed the music company of Ager , Yellen, and Bornstein, where he wrote several famous songs, including "Ain't She Sweet," "Happy Days Are Here Again," and "Hard Hearted Hannah (The Vamp of Savannah)." He also wrote music for Broadway shows, including the 1926 production of "Innocent Eyes."

Additionally, Ager served in the US Army Morale Division during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the US government for his contributions. In May 1979, Ager passed away in Inglewood, California at the age of 85. After his death, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980.