Jack Shilkret

Jack Shilkret (13 October 1896—16 June 1964) was an American pianist, clarinet, bandleader, and film score composer. He is the younger brother of conductor/clarinetist/pianist Nathaniel Shilkret (December 25, 1889 – February 18, 1982).

Jack Shilkret was born on October 13, 1896, in New York City, New York, to parents who emigrated from Lemberg (now Lviv in Ukraine). His father played a number of instruments and made certain that his children were all accomplished musicians at an early age. Jack had three brothers:

• Nathaniel Shilkret (December 25, 1889 – February 18, 1982) was a notable clarinetist and pianist
• Lew Shilkret was a pianist who also worked in the insurance industry
• Harry Shilkret was a medical doctor who worked his way through school playing trumpet and continued to play trumpet frequently in Nathaniel's orchestras

Nathaniel Shilkret's brother-in-law, Nathaniel Finston, was a violinist in many organizations in his youth and was musical director for Paramount Pictures and later for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Jack attended City College in New York City.

In 1924, Jack played on Little Old Clock on the Mantel / Charley, My Boy for Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra. The same year, he was heard on Who Wants a Bad Little Boy? / Susquehanna Home with Ted Weems and His Orchestra.

In the 1930s, Jack organized his own orchestra, playing in theaters, hotels, nightclubs, and on the radio. He was the pianist for the radio show Bond Bread Tea Shop with Broadway actress/singer Julia Sanderson and vaudeville star Frank Crumit.

In 1937, Jack played on Copper Coloured Gal / Another Perfect Night Is Ending with Cab Calloway and His Orchestra.

Jack also composed music for several of James A. FitzPatrick's shorts and documentaries including Chile: 'Land of Charm' (1937), Colorful Bombay (1937), Colorful Islands: Madagascar and Seychelles (1935), and Yellowstone Park: 'Nature's Playground' (1936). In 1944, he composed music for Harry Foster's Golden Gloves (narrated by Bill Stern).

Jack composed several popular songs, including "April Showers Bring May Flowers", "On the Isle of Madeira," "Copenhagen Love Song," "Just Another Kiss," "Lazy Summer Moon," "She's the Daughter of K‐K‐K‐Katy," "Make Believe," "Make Believe", "Somebody Like You.", "Just Another Kiss", "Cuban Eyes" and "Who's Excited."

He was a member for 25 years of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Jack was married to Rose Isaacs Shilkret and had two children—daughter Marilyn Brown and son Neil Warner, also a musician. Neil Warner is the father of American actress Julie Warner who is married to actor Jonathan Prince.

Jack passed away on June 16, 1964, in New York City, New York, at the age of 67.