Not far from the center of Rensselaer, this marker points out the terrific history of this musician who was born here and went on to write many great songs.
On the front, it reads "Born February 17, 1892 in Rensselaer; became part of New York Tin Pan Alley music scene. Wrote for Broadway musicals such hits as "Second Hand Rose" (Grant Clarke, lyrics) for Fanny Brice (1921 Ziegfeld Follies) and "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (1934), popularized by Judy Garland 1938. Wrote scores for many Hollywood musicals in early 1930s."
And on the reverse, ""(Back Home Again in) Indiana," by Hanley and Ballard MacDonald (lyrics), was hit in 1917, 1920s jazz classic recorded by Louis Armstrong, and a 1930s swing tune by Benny Goodman. Song has remained popular and has been performed at every Indianapolis 500 since 1946. Hanley died February 8, 1942 in New York; buried there in Gate of Heaven Cemetery."
The marker was erected in 2008 by the Indiana Historical Bureau and Jasper County Historical Society. It is marker number 37.2008.1. There is parking nearby.
[Review 20596 overall - 130 in Indiana - 1577 of 2023.] read more