[History Hounds] J. Will Callahan: The Tin Pan Alley’s Blind Lyricist with Mary Jane Doerr, Author

Songwriters in Manhattan’s Tin Pan Alley produced some of America’s most popular music, but one of its best songwriters came from Michigan, not the Big Apple. J. Will Callahan began writing lyrics for ragtime composers—often from his Bay View, Michigan, cottage—after he lost his eyesight. Join us to learn about the musical world of the lyricist, whose songs were recorded by both Judy Garland and Al Jolsen.

We'd like to thank the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM), which supports local history organizations, like us! They are continuing to make their History Hounds Lecture Series available online for free to members of HSM’s member organizations. Register for this remote presentation by 3:00pm the previous day. Click here to register. Select “A member of an Organizational Member of HSM” to enjoy this presentation at no charge.