R3901

Edgar Y. “Yip” Harburg

Song Lyricist and Librettist

Cover Announcement 

Harburg was a poet and author who was dedicated to social justice. In later life, he was known as "Broadway's Social Conscience." After a childhood spent in poverty on Manhattan's East Side, Yip attended City College of New York, where he formed a lifelong friendship with classmate Ira Gershwin.

He began writing lyrics for Broadway musicals in the 1930s, and his shows included April in Paris, Finian's Rainbow, Jamaica, and The Happiest Girl in the World. In Hollywood, he wrote the lyrics for many film musicals, and, by far, his most famous work was The Wizard of Oz in 1939. His Academy Award-winning Over the Rainbow is one of the most famous songs ever written. The new stamp features a portrait of Yip, a rainbow, and the beginning lyrics of the song. The First Day Postmark is from his hometown - New York City.

My hand painted cachet shows the unforgettable characters who taveled the Yellow Brick Road. The Cowardly Lion who sought courage, The Scarecrow in search of a brain, The Tin Maa who longed for a heart, And, of course, the lovable Dorothy played by Judy Garland. With each and every cachet individually painted in beautiful watercolors, the characters come to life under a colorful rainbow that arches over them. As I believe this cover will sell out quickly, please order on a timely basis so that you  don't miss out.

Altogether Harburg wrote over 600 songs. In two separate polls (Recording Industry of America - 2001 and American Film Institute - 2004), Over the Rainbow was voted the number one song of the 20th Century. It's a pleasure to announce this First Day Cover that honors the man who wrote it - F.Y. "Yip" Harburg. Collins #R3901 -13.25.