PAUL DRESSER
Name: Paul Dresser
Born: 22 April 1857
Died: 31 January 1906
Paul Dresser (b. April 22, 1857, Terre Haute, Indiana - d. January 31, 1906) was
an important American songwriter in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Born as Johann Paul Dreiser Jr. and baptized on May 24, 1857 at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, Paul Dresser is best-known for
composing what would become the state song of Indiana, "On the Banks of the
Wabash, Far Away". His younger brother was novelist Theodore Dreiser.
Dresser worked as an actor, playwright, songwriter, producer, and music
publisher. He composed more than 100 songs on Tin Pan Alley, in New York City.
At the peak of his fame, in the 1890s, he was the most popular songwriter in
America. He created his own publishing house in 1901 to produce his works.
Despite his fame, he was financially unwise. He gave much of his money away to
friends and family, and when his publishing house failed, he was left destitute.
He died, aged 49, in New York City.
Paul Dresser was portrayed in the biopic My Gal Sal (1942) by actor Victor
Mature. Dresser was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
Name: Paul Dresser
Born: 22 April 1857
Died: 31 January 1906
Paul Dresser (b. April 22, 1857, Terre Haute, Indiana - d. January 31, 1906) was
an important American songwriter in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Born as Johann Paul Dreiser Jr. and baptized on May 24, 1857 at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, Paul Dresser is best-known for
composing what would become the state song of Indiana, "On the Banks of the
Wabash, Far Away". His younger brother was novelist Theodore Dreiser.
Dresser worked as an actor, playwright, songwriter, producer, and music
publisher. He composed more than 100 songs on Tin Pan Alley, in New York City.
At the peak of his fame, in the 1890s, he was the most popular songwriter in
America. He created his own publishing house in 1901 to produce his works.
Despite his fame, he was financially unwise. He gave much of his money away to
friends and family, and when his publishing house failed, he was left destitute.
He died, aged 49, in New York City.
Paul Dresser was portrayed in the biopic My Gal Sal (1942) by actor Victor
Mature. Dresser was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.