Arthur Herzog Jr.

• Died: September 01, 1983, Detroit, MI
• Active: '30s, '40s
• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Composer

Biography

Songwriter Arthur Herzog, Jr. is responsible for a small number of songs, but what few there are have been performed countless times and recorded by many of the biggest names in jazz, from John Coltrane to Dinah Washington. Herzog's songs were most often recorded by the all-time great vocalist who co-wrote them, Billie Holiday. Together they penned "Don't Explain," the classic "God Bless the Child," and the lesser-known "Somebody's on My Mind." The popularly covered "Don't Explain" was originally issued by Decca in 1939, with Holiday's performance of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" on the flip side. The first recording of what would become a signature tune for her, "God Bless the Child" was released on OKeh in 1941, paired with another wonderful song, "Solitude." In addition to his songwriting with Holiday, Herzog co-wrote "Some Other Spring" with Irene Kitchings. This song, originally recorded for Vocalion in 1939, was another hit for legendary jazz vocalist Holiday. ~ Joslyn Layne, All Music Guide