Joe Burke

• Born: March 18, 1884, Philadelphia, PA
• Died: June 09, 1950, Upper Darby, PA
• Active: '20s, '30s, '40s
• Genres: Vocal Music
• Instrument: Composer

Biography

Tin Pan Alley songwriter Joe Burke enjoyed big hits from his collaborations with various lyricists from the mid-'20s through the late '40s. Born in Philadelphia on March 18, 1884, Burke didn't have his first big hit until after his 40th birthday, with 1925's "Yearning." This breakthrough was written with lyricist Benny Davis and the team enjoyed another success three years later with the song "Carolina Moon." Burke then teamed up with Al Dubin and the two penned songs, including "Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me" (1929), "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes" (1930), and their greatest success, "For You," which was recorded by the Casa Loma Orchestra with vocalist Kenny Sargent. The mid-'30s found Burke writing with lyricist Edgar Leslie, resulting in "On Treasure Island," "Moon Over Miami," and 1937's "It Looks Like Rain in Cherry Blossom Lane," among others. Burke's final hit came in 1948 with "Ramblin' Rose," a song written with Joseph McCarthy, Jr. ~ Joslyn Layne, All Music Guide