11 Facts About Haven Gillespie

James Lamont Gillespie, known under the pen name Haven Gillespie, was an American Tin Pan Alley composer and lyricist.

Haven Gillespie wrote the seasonal standard "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town".

Lillian had written Haven Gillespie that there was a job waiting for him there and that he could live with them.

In 1902, Haven Gillespie left his Covington home to join his sister and brother-in-law.

Haven Gillespie had fifteen dollars in his pocket and she had just one dollar given to her by her mother.

Haven Gillespie soon landed a job as a typesetter for the Cincinnati Times-Star, ultimately maintaining his membership in the International Typographic Union until his death.

Haven Gillespie found work as a "plug" man, entertaining audiences at local vaudeville shows by playing and singing songs he had written.

Haven Gillespie left for New York and became a journalist and composer of songs for vaudeville shows.

Haven Gillespie first gained notice in 1925 with "Breezin Along With The Breeze", in collaboration with Egbert Van Alstyne, Ervin R Schmidt, and Loyal Curtis, which was recorded by Josephine Baker among many others.

Haven Gillespie was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972.

Haven Gillespie's copyrights are now owned by the Haven Gillespie Music Publishing Company, managed by the Gillespie family.