Sammy Fain Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1972, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
• In 1989, he received a special award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
• Got his big break when he was caught by his boss, playing songs in an audition room, while working as a stockroom boy for Mills Music Publishing
• Before becoming a composer, he worked as a pianist for vaudeville acts
• Is closely associated with sentimental tunes, including his songs "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella," "That Old Feeling," etc
• Frequently collaborated with fellow songwriter Paul Francis Webster on music
• Taught himself to play the piano, learning musical tunes by ear