Kay Swift

Kay Swift (born Catherine Faulkner Swift, April 19, 1897 – January 1, 1993) was an American composer of popular and classical music. She was the first woman to write the complete score for a Broadway musical.

Swift, born in New York City to a wealthy and musically inclined family, received formal training in classical music. She studied with Arthur Foote and later with Nadia Boulanger in Paris.

She is best known for her popular songs, particularly those written in collaboration with Paul James (a pseudonym for James P. Warburg, her first husband) and her own compositions. Her most famous song is arguably "Can't We Be Friends?", which became a standard of the Great American Songbook. Other notable songs include "Fine and Dandy," the title song from the 1930 Broadway musical for which she wrote both the music and lyrics, making her a pioneer in musical theatre.

Swift's association with George Gershwin significantly influenced her career. She and Gershwin had a close personal and professional relationship. She worked as his rehearsal pianist and confidante, and her musical style shows some influence from his.

Besides her Broadway work and popular songs, Swift also composed classical pieces, including a ballet entitled "Alma Mater," which was commissioned by George Balanchine for the American Ballet Caravan.

Later in her life, she became involved in the preservation and study of wild animal behavior, particularly that of African wildlife. This interest led her to conduct research and contribute to scientific understanding in this area.

Kay Swift's career spanned various musical genres and demonstrated her versatility and talent as a composer. Her contributions to Broadway and popular music cemented her place as a significant figure in American musical history.