Duke, Vernon

Vernon Duke Composer Vladmiri Dukelsky, Parafianovka, Russia, October 10, 1903; Santa Monica, California, January 17, 1969. After completing his education at Kiev Conservatory, Duke left Russia and spent time in Europe. He came to the United States permanently in 1929, composed his first Broadway score in 1932, and became a citizen in 1938. Walk a Little Faster (December 7, 1932) contained Duke’s most famous song, “April in Paris.” The lyrics were written by E. Y. Harburg. It was introduced by…