Don Raye

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Don Raye (March 16, 1909 - January 29, 1985), born in Washington, DC, was an American vaudevillian and songwriter, best known for his songs for the Andrews Sisters such as "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." While known for such wordy novelty numbers, he also wrote the lyrics to "You Don't Know What Love Is," a simple, poetic lament of unusual power. Born Donald MacRae Wilhoite Jr, he later changed his name to Donald Raye. He also composed the song "(That Place) Down the Road a Piece," one of his boogie woogie songs, which has a medium bright boogie tempo.

[edit] History

Raye started his career as a Dancer, going on to win the "Virginia State Dancing Championship." He started work in vaudeville as a "song and dance man" often writing his own songs for his act. In 1935 he started work as a songwriter, collaberating with composers Samuel Cahn and Saul Chaplin, and Saxophonist Jimmie Lunceford.

Raye went on to work largely with the Andrews Sisters in the 1930's. He joined the Army in 1931, and served in World War II. Upon his return he resumed songwriting in Hollywood and worked alongside Gene de Paul at Universal Studios. He wrote original songs for Walt Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad as well as A Song is Born.