The Secret Life of Podiatrists

Songwriter and former podiatrist Jack Lawrence died on Sunday, March 15, 2009. Lawrence was best known for his work writing songs for singers such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dinah Shore, and Rosemary Clooney. Lawrence earned his doctorate in podiatry in 1932, but did not remain in this profession long, as he went on to write music for famous singers, Broadway, and even the Merchant Marines. He also was an art patron, producer of Off-Broadway and Broadway musicals, and the author of two autobiographies. Lawrence had a hand in many famous musical works. He wrote the lyrics for "All or Nothing at All", Frank Sinatra's first hit, as well as for "Yes, My Darling Daughter", the song that introduced Dinah Shore to the radio. He wrote the song "Tenderly", which is often recorded and was sung famously by Rosemary Clooney. He even rewrote lyrics for the song that would become "Beyond the Sea" made famous by Bobby Darin and which would eventually become the title of his 2004 biographical film. He even wrote the Merchant Marine's official theme song "Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!" during his service with this branch in World War II.