What's wrong with sweetness and light? It's been around quite awhile.

Hammerstein talked him out of it [but Hammerstein had died in 1960!] arguing that the recording would ultimately increase royalties which turned out to be the case. Their first professional production was the 1920 Poor Little Ritz Girl. Captain Sensible did a jaunty rendition in the 1980s complete with burlesque organ.

His compositions have had a significant impact on popular music down to the present day and have an enduring broad appeal. He has also won a Pulitzer Prize making him one of two people (Marvin Hamlisch is the other) to receive each award. He also composed music for films and television.