Songwriter. He will perhaps be best remembered for penning the song "It Was a Very Good Year" (1961), which became a hit for Frank Sinatra in 1965. Born Ervin Maurice Druckman, the son of European-Jewish parents, his father was a wholesale furniture distributor, Ervin developed a fondness for music during his childhood and began writing songs at the age of twelve. He earned a degree in Social Sciences and Graphic Arts from City College of New York and following graduation in 1940, he had his break in the music industry, when he penned English lyricist to the Brazilian instrumental "Tico-Tico" (1942). He achieved further success and recognition, when he co-wrote (with Irene Higginbotham and Dan Fisher) the score "Good Morning Heartache" which became a highly-successful hit for Billie Holiday in 1946. He co-wrote the song "I Believe" which became a hit for singer Frankie Laine in 1953. Drake added Broadway to his accomplishments, when he composed both the lyrics and music to the Budd Schulberg adaptation of "What Makes Sammy Run?" (1964 to 1965). Drake was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. He died of complications from bladder cancer.
Songwriter. He will perhaps be best remembered for penning the song "It Was a Very Good Year" (1961), which became a hit for Frank Sinatra in 1965. Born Ervin Maurice Druckman, the son of European-Jewish parents, his father was a wholesale furniture distributor, Ervin developed a fondness for music during his childhood and began writing songs at the age of twelve. He earned a degree in Social Sciences and Graphic Arts from City College of New York and following graduation in 1940, he had his break in the music industry, when he penned English lyricist to the Brazilian instrumental "Tico-Tico" (1942). He achieved further success and recognition, when he co-wrote (with Irene Higginbotham and Dan Fisher) the score "Good Morning Heartache" which became a highly-successful hit for Billie Holiday in 1946. He co-wrote the song "I Believe" which became a hit for singer Frankie Laine in 1953. Drake added Broadway to his accomplishments, when he composed both the lyrics and music to the Budd Schulberg adaptation of "What Makes Sammy Run?" (1964 to 1965). Drake was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. He died of complications from bladder cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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