Clarence Gaskill (February 2, 1892 – April 29, 1948) was an American composer and lyricist active during the 1920s to early 1930s. His most well-known songs include, Doo-Wacka-Doo (1921). I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me (1926), and Prisoner of Love (1932). His first hit came in 1919 with I Love You Just the Same, Sweet Adeline.
Personal life
Gaskill was born on February 2, 1892, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1] He attended St. John's School and Friends School in Pennsylvania. Gaskill's first music teacher was his mother, but he was later taught by private teachers.[2]
Gaskill died on April 29, 1948, in New Brighton, New York City.[3] His wife was Matilda Gaskill and they lived on Richmont Street in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Career
At the age of 16, Gaskill was employed at a local theatre, working as a pianist. By the age of 21, he had founded his own music publishing firm.[2]
After the war was over, Gaskill toured vaudeville under the stage name, "Melody Monarch".[2]
His first hit was in 1919, with the release of I Love you Just the Same, Sweet Adeline. Two years later he joined the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.[2] Gaskill wrote the song, Prisoner of Love in 1932. It was re-recorded by various artists including, The Ink Spots, Billy Eckstine, and Perry Como.[1] His song, Doo-Wacka-Doo (1921), capitalized on the "Hawaiian craze" popular during that time. The song was made famous by Paul Whiteman's orchestra.[4]
^Furia, Philip (1990). The Poets of Tin Pan Alley. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 258. ISBN0-19-506408-9.
^I can't believe that you're in love with me. OCLC WorldCat. OCLC18894785.
^ abJasen, David A. (1988). Tin Pan Alley: The Composers, the Songs, the Performers and their Times. United States: David I. Fine, Inc. pp. 151, 187. ISBN1-55611-099-5.
^Nobody's business fox trot. OCLC WorldCat. OCLC6740250.