Arthur W. French
{{short description|American journalist and popular-song writer (1846-1916)}}
{{Infobox writer
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| name = Arthur W. French
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| birth_name = Arthur Wells French
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1846|01|19}} {{cite news |title= Writer of many familiar verses dead at 70 years |work =The Bridgeport Times and Evening Farmer |place= Bridgeport, Connecticut |date= 28 Jan 1916 |page= 11 |url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60676508/obituary-for-arthur-wells-french-aged/ }}
| birth_place = Monroe, Connecticut, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1916|01|27|1846|01|19}}
| death_place = Bridgeport, Connecticut
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| occupation = Journalist, songwriter
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| genre = parlor songs
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File:Little Sweetheart Come and Kiss Me by Arthur A French.png
Arthur Wells French (1846–1916) was a journalist from Connecticut who was also a successful songwriter of sentimental songs in the 1870s and 1880s.{{cite news |title= Songs of other days, their author Arthur Wells French is now the Bard of Monroe and still at it|work= The Bridgeport Times and Evening Farmer |place= Bridgeport, Connecticut |date= 2 Oct 1911 |page= 8|quote= Arthur Wells French the well known songwriter, more or less for the past four decades...}} Born in Monroe, Connecticut, he moved to Bridgeport as a young man. He was inclined to write, especially songs and poetry, "and this natural bent early led him into a newspaper career." His most successful work may have been "Little Sweetheart" sung by minstrel tenor Dave Wambold, which sold "several hundred thousand...copies" of sheet music.
As a journalist in Bridgeport, French worked for The Leader weekly newspaper, The Morning News, The Morning Union, The Standard, The Post and Telegram, and in Monroe for The Telegram and The Farmer.
His first song was printed in a newspaper. After that he sold songs to a "prominent composer" who adapted music to them and published them. In 1911, French estimated that he had written several hundred sheet music songs, and a similar number "for secular and sacred songbooks." He had kept track by making a continuous list of titles as he wrote them. He also wrote music to be performed in variety shows, minstrel shows, operettas and cantatas which were never published.
Songs
LOC are scores preserved at the Library of Congress. LSMC are scores preserved at the Lester M. Levy Sheet Music Collection. BERK are scores at the California Sheet Music Project at the Berkeley Library. IMSLP are scores online at the IMSLP Petrucci Music Library.
French wrote lyrics for: Charlie Baker, Charles Dupree Blake (1847–1903), William H. Brockway, Robert Challoner, Devin Christie, Virginia Gabriel, William A. Huntley, Herbert Leslie, E. S. Paul, George W. Persely, C. M. Pyke, Charlie Rea, Henry Tucker, Horatio Williams
- 1871 LOC Barney A'leen. Words by Arthur W. French, music by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Barney A'Leen |publisher= J. L. Peters |place= New York |date=1871 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1874.05564/}}
- 1872 LOC Beautiful dreams linger near me. Words by Arthur M. French, music by Henry Tucker.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Beautiful dreams linger near me |publisher= Oliver Ditson & Co. |place= Boston |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100009454/}}
- 1872 LOC Darling take me back again. Words by Arthur M. French, music by Virginia Gabriel{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Darling take me back again |publisher= S.Brainard's Sons|place= Cleveland |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100006132/}}
- 1872 LOC Down among the daisies. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Down among the daisies |publisher= Oliver Ditson & Co. |place= Boston |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1872.12197/}}
- 1872 LOC Kiss me, love, before I go. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Kiss me, love, before I go |publisher= Brainard & Sons |place= Cleveland |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1872.08645/}}
- 1872 LOC Lilian Lee. Written and composed by Arthur W. French.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Lilian Lee |publisher= George W. Brown |place= Chicago |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1872.08058/}}
- 1872 LOC Under the silvery stars. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Under the silvery stars |publisher= Oliver Ditson & Co. |place= Boston |date=1872 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1872.13907/}}
- 1873 LOC Beautiful dreams never leave me. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Beautiful dreams never leave me |publisher= John Church and Company |place= Cincinnati, Ohio |date=1873 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008389/}}
- 1873 LSMC Little sweetheart, come and kiss me. Words by Arthur W. French, music by W. H. Brockway.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu|title= Little Sweetheart Come and Kiss Me. Box 133, Item 100 |publisher= White and Goullaud |place= Boston |date=1873 |url= https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/133/100}}
- 1873 LOC Little sweetheart, come listen to me. Words and music by Arthur W. French.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Little sweetheart, come listen to me |publisher= J. L. Peters |place= New York |date=1873 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1873.07341/}}
- 1873 LOC Whisper farewell, Mollie dearest. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Whisper farewell, Mollie dearest |publisher= John Church and Company |place= Cincinnati, Ohio |date=1873 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1873.10064/}}
- 1875 LOC Barney, take me home again. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Barney, take me home again |publisher= John Church and Company |place= Cincinnati |date=1875 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008387/}}
- 1875 LOC Clouds of intemperance. Words by Arthur M. French, music by Charles Dupree Blake.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Clouds of intemperance |publisher= Henry Shepherd |place= Oneonta, New York |date=1875 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100004737/}}
- 1875 LOC Kiss, and forget, love. Words by Arthur M. French, music by Charles Dupree Blake.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Kiss, and forget, love |publisher= William A. Pond and Company |place= New York |date=1875 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100004742/}}
- 1875 LOC LSMC Take me back to home and mother. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Take me back to home and mother |publisher= Cory Brothers |place= Providence, Rhode Island |date=1875 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1875.03374/}}{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu|title= Take Me Back To Home and Mother. Song and Chorus. Box 135, Item 057 |publisher= Cory Brothers |place= [Providence, Rhode Island]|date=1875 |url= https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/135/057}}
- 1876 LOC Have you forgotten me darling. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by C. M. Pyke.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Have you forgotten me darling |publisher= S. T. Gordon and Company |place= New York |date=1876 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008575/}}
- 1876 LOC Only speak kindly to me. Words by Arthur W. French, music by C. M. Pyke.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Only speak kindly to me |publisher= Oliver Ditson & Co. |place= Boston |date=1876 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1876.13106/}}
- 1876 LOC They borrow, but never return!. Words and music by Arthur W. French.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= They borrow, but never return! |publisher= E. H. Harding |place= New York |date=1876 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1876.10538/}}
- 1876 LOC The home of uncle Joe. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= The home of uncle Joe |publisher= John Church and Company |place= Cincinnati, Ohio |date=1876 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008399/}}
- 1876 LOC Why can't I have a beau?{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Why can't I have a beau? |date=1876 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1876.10536/}}
- 1878 LOC LOC Black eyed Binie's gone to rest. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Black eyed Binie's gone to rest |publisher= W. F. Shaw |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1878.03887/}}
- 1878 LOC Flowers from home. Words by Arthur W. French, music by Albert Welling.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Flowers from home |publisher= T. A. Crosbie |place= Trenton |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1878.10097/}}
- 1878 LOC I am dreaming, sweetheart, dreaming. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= I am dreaming, sweetheart, dreaming |publisher= Dr. J. W. Graves |place= Creston, Iowa |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008400/}}
- 1878 LOC Just a sweet little word, Kathleen. Words by Arthur M. French, music by Charles Dupree Blake.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Just a sweet little word, Kathleen |publisher= W. F. Shaw |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100004741/}}
- 1878 LOC Little Valley Rose. Words by Arthur W. French, music by George Challoner.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Little Valley Rose |publisher= George D. Newhall and Company |place= Cincinnati |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100005073/}}
- 1878 LOC When the birds have gone to sleep. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= When the birds have gone to sleep |publisher= F. W. Helmick |place= Cincinnati |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1878.04120/}}{{cite news |title= Songs of other days, their author Arthur Wells French is now the Bard of Monroe and still at it|work= The Bridgeport Times and Evening Farmer |place= Bridgeport, Connecticut |date= 2 Oct 1911 |page= 8|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60695874/huntley-performance/}}
- 1878 LOC When the blossoms cover us darling. Words by Arthur W. French, music by Charlie Baker.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= When the blossoms cover us darling |publisher= F. W. Helmick |place= Cincinnati |date=1878 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100004245/}}
- 1878 LOC Won't you. Words by Arthur W. French, music arranged and partly composed by Charlie Rea.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Won't you |publisher= G. D. Russell |place= Boston |date=1878 |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008601/}}
- 1879 LOC ' Mid lilies by the stream. Words by Arthur W. French, music by Charlie Rea.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Mid lilies by the stream |publisher= G. D. Russell |place= New York |date=1879 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008599/}}
- 1879 LOC Dat rascal of a poy. Words by Arthur W. French, music by Horatio Williams.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= I'll meet you again little darling |publisher= G. D. Russell |place= Boston |date=1879 |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100009966/}}
- 1879 LOC I'll meet you again little darling. Words by Arthur W. French, music by E. S. Paul.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= I'll meet you again little darling |publisher= T. A. Crosby |date=1879 |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008337/}}
- 1879 LOC Just because you kissed me, darling. Composed by Arthur W. French, music by Devin Christie.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Just because you kissed me, darling |publisher= Oliver Ditson and Company |place= Boston |date=1879 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100005099/}}
- 1879 IMSLP BERK Some Day I'll Wander Back Again. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A. Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= imslp.org|title= I'll Wander Back Again |publisher= F. A. North & Co |date=1879 |url= https://imslp.org/wiki/I'll_Wander_Back_Again_(Huntley%2C_William_A.) }}{{cite book |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu|title= Some Day I'll Wander Back Again |publisher= F. A. North & Co |date=1879 |url= https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/100078#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&r=0&xywh=239%2C229%2C745%2C1158}}
- 1880 BERK Bye and bye you will forget me. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A Huntley.{{cite book |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu|title= Bye and bye you will forget me |publisher= F. W. Shaw |date=1880 |url= https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/100285?ln=en#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&r=0&xywh=0%2C-165%2C1176%2C1829}}
- 1880 LOC Mora Marie. Words by Arthur W. French, music by Herbert Leslie.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Mora Marie |publisher= White, Smith and Company |place= Boston |date=1880 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100007303/}}
- 1883 LOC Little one, whisper you love me. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Little one, whisper you love me |publisher= W. F. Shaw |date=1883 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1883.13799/ }}
- 1883 LOC Must we leave the old home, mother?. Words by Arthur W. French, music by William A Huntley.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Must we leave the old home, mother? |publisher= W. F. Shaw |date=1883 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/sm1883.07718/ }}
- 1885 LOC Barney A'leen. Composed by Arthur W. French, arranged by George W. Persely.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Barney A'leen |publisher= Oliver Ditson and Company |place= Boston |date=1885 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100008388/}}
Recordings
Some of French's songs were recorded in the early 20th century:
- 1910 LOC Trabbling back to Georgia. Composed by Charles D. Blake, sung by baritone Carroll Clark, words by Arthur W. French.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Trabbling back to Georgia |publisher= Columbia Records |date=1910 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-748424/}}
- 1913 LOC By and by you will forget me. Words by Arthur W. French, composed by William A. Huntley, contralto vocal by Elsie Baker, baritone vocal by Frederick J. Wheeler.{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= By and by you will forget me |publisher= Victor Records |date=1913 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-186855/}}
- 1914 LOC Someday I'll wander back again. Words by Arthur W. French, composed by William A. Huntley, tenor vocal by Harry McClaskey (also known as Henry Burr).{{cite web |last=French |first=Arthur W. |website= loc.gov|title= Someday I'll wander back again |publisher= Columbia Records |date=1914 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-649570/}}
References
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External links
- [https://hymnary.org/person/French_AW Hymns written by Arthur W. French.]
- [https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/mastertalent/detail/100212/French_Arthur_W Early recordings of Arthur W. French's songs.]
Category:19th-century American composers