Dick Manning (born Samuel Medoff (Самуил Медов), June 12, 1912 – April 11, 1991) was a Russian-American songwriter, best known for his many collaborations with Al Hoffman. Manning composed the first full-length musical to be broadcast on television. The Boys From Boise aired on the DuMont Television Network in 1944.

Early years

Manning was born in Gomel, Russian Empire, to a Jewish family, and came to the United States with his family when he was six years old.

Yiddish swing

In the early 1940s, he had a radio show on WHN radio in New York called Sam Medoff and His Yiddish Swing Orchestra; The radio show was originally done live at the Lowes State Theatre every Sunday at 1PM; it aired until 1955. Medoff also played piano and organ for Yiddish crooner Seymour Rexite's radio show.

Songwriting and composing

Manning was the co-writer of many popular songs, among them: "Takes Two to Tango", "Fascination", "Hot Diggity" and "Papa Loves Mambo".

Manning also composed The Boys From Boise, This was the first full-length television musical, and was presented on the DuMont Television Network in 1944. The television presentation of the musical was sponsored by Esquire magazine. Manning appeared earlier in that year on DuMont's Key-Bored Televisual Presentations as a pianist. Manning also was an arranger and vocal coach, and wrote radio jingles.

  • "Hot Diggity" (1956)
  • "I Can't Tell a Waltz from a Tango" (1954)
  • "I Love Her, That's Why!" (for George Burns and Gracie Allen) (1955)
  • "Mama, Teach Me to Dance" (1956)
  • "Mi Casa, Su Casa (My House Is Your House)" (1957)
  • "Moon Talk" (1958)
  • "O Dio Mio" (1960)
  • "Takes Two to Tango" (1952)
  • "Start the Day with a Song" (with Buddy Kaye)
  • "Morning Side of the Mountain"

References

  • Sam Medoff and the Yiddish Swingtet at Amazon
  • Sam Medoff and the Yiddish Swingtet at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim