Today In Labor History April 8, 1896: Songwriter Yip Harburg was born. Harburg was known for the social commentaries of his lyrics. He supported racial, sexual, gender equality, and labor unionism. HUAC had him blacklisted for his radical politics. Consequently, he couldn’t travel or work in Hollywood for many years. Some of his most famous songs include: It’s Only Paper Moon and Brother Can You Spare a Dime, as well as all of the songs from the film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Harburg was born to Orthodox Jewish parents in New York’s Lower East Side. His nickname, “Yip,” was likely taken from the socialist organization he belonged to, the Young People's Socialist League, also known as "yipsels.” He attended high school with Ira Gershwin, where they developed a lifelong friendship. Gershwin was the one who really pushed him to start writing lyrics. During World War One, he moved to Uruguay to avoid the draft because he opposed the war.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuStRWuYptQ

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