Charles Dawes: The Only VP Who Composed a Pop Music Hit

Charles Dawes, a unique vice president, wrote a pop hit that became famous, showcasing his unexpected talent in music.

Charles Dawes: The Only VP Who Composed a Pop Music Hit
Charles Dawes: The Only VP Who Composed a Pop Music Hit

Evanston: Did you know that Charles Dawes, the only U.S. vice president to write a pop hit, came up with his tune back in 1911? He was just messing around at his piano when inspiration struck. He thought it was just a fun distraction and handed it off to a friend.

That friend took it to a publisher, and a few months later, Dawes was shocked to see his song, “Melody in A Major,” for sale in stores. He was running for vice president alongside Calvin Coolidge in 1924, but his music was what really caught people’s attention.

Even though he couldn’t read music, his song became a hit. It was played at his political events and even caught the ear of famous violinist Fritz Kreisler. Later, it inspired the lyrics for “It’s All in the Game,” which became a classic recorded by many artists.

Dawes had a pretty impressive background too. Born in 1865, he had ancestors who were on the Mayflower and even rode with Paul Revere. He taught himself piano and flute and had a successful career in law and banking before jumping into politics.

During World War I, he organized a band for his troops and made sure they had his song on hand. He was a respected officer and earned medals for his service. His wife even helped boost his popularity by knitting sweaters for the soldiers.

Dawes was known for his straightforwardness, which sometimes got him into trouble in politics. He didn’t shy away from speaking out against the KKK during his campaign, which was pretty bold for the time.

After winning the election, he faced challenges as vice president, especially with the Senate’s filibuster rules. But he didn’t let that stop him. He later became the ambassador to England and even won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on war reparations.

Dawes had a knack for humor too. He once hired a comedian to lighten up a formal dinner, which made for a memorable evening. His music, especially “It’s All in the Game,” lives on, reminding us of his unique legacy as both a politician and a musician.

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