John Murray Anderson was a multifaceted individual who wore many hats throughout his illustrious career. Born in Scotland, he received his early education at Edinburgh Academy and later pursued further studies at Lausanne University in Switzerland. Anderson's interest in the performing arts led him to study drama with the renowned Herbert Beerbohm Tree.
During World War I, Anderson served with the American Bureau of Information, demonstrating his commitment to public service. Upon returning to the United States, he began his career in show business, directing and writing scores for various productions on Broadway. Some of his notable works include "Greenwich Village Follies" (five editions),"Jack and Jill", and "What's In a Name?" (also librettist and producer).
Anderson's impressive repertoire also includes directing "The League of Notions" in London, "Music Box Revue of 1924", "Dearest Enemy", "John Murray Anderson's Almanac" (1929, also producer, 1953),"Bow Bells" in London, "Fanfare" in London, "Ziegfeld Follies" (1934, 1936, 1943),"Life Begins at 8:40", "Thumbs Up!", "Jumbo", "One for the Money", "Two for the Show", "Laffing Room Only", "Three to Make Ready", "New Faces of 1952", and "Two's Company".
In addition to his work on Broadway, Anderson held various directorial positions, including stints at Radio City Music Hall in 1933, the Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland in 1937, Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe from 1938-1950, and Ringling Brothers Circus from 1942-1951. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and collaborated with notable musicians such as Mitchell Parish, Walter and Jean Kerr, and Joan Ford.
Anderson's popular music compositions include "The Girl in the Moon", "Eileen Avourneen", "That Reminiscent Melody", "The Valley of Dreams", "The Last Waltz", "Come to Vienna", "Some Day When Dreams Come True", "A Young Man's Fancy", "At the Krazy Kat's Ball", and "Annabell Lee".
