Fred Spielmann was a composer who received classical training at the Academy of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna under Joseph Marx and Hans Gál. He discovered in 1920s Berlin his love for American music and in the 1930s was a popular hit and theater composer in Austria. Spielmann immigrated via Paris to the United States in 1938, where he enjoyed great success after 1944 primarily as a film composer. He worked in Hollywood in the 1940's and 50's, chiefly for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in collaboration with the lyricist Janice Torre. He also wrote scores for the theater, including the live television musical ''The Stingiest Man in Town,'' which was made into an animated special for television in 1978. Spielman's songs include "Paper Roses," ''It Only Hurts for a Little While'' and ''If Love Is Good to Me.'' Bing Crosby recorded his ''Shepherd Serenade'' and Frank Sinatra his ''One Finger Melody.'' His work was also recorded by Judy Garland, Doris Day and Sarah Vaughan. He was married, but no immediate family members survived him.
Fred Spielmann was a composer who received classical training at the Academy of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna under Joseph Marx and Hans Gál. He discovered in 1920s Berlin his love for American music and in the 1930s was a popular hit and theater composer in Austria. Spielmann immigrated via Paris to the United States in 1938, where he enjoyed great success after 1944 primarily as a film composer. He worked in Hollywood in the 1940's and 50's, chiefly for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in collaboration with the lyricist Janice Torre. He also wrote scores for the theater, including the live television musical ''The Stingiest Man in Town,'' which was made into an animated special for television in 1978. Spielman's songs include "Paper Roses," ''It Only Hurts for a Little While'' and ''If Love Is Good to Me.'' Bing Crosby recorded his ''Shepherd Serenade'' and Frank Sinatra his ''One Finger Melody.'' His work was also recorded by Judy Garland, Doris Day and Sarah Vaughan. He was married, but no immediate family members survived him.
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