Composer Joseph Meyer, 93; He Wrote ‘California, Here I Come’

Composer Joseph Meyer, who wrote the music for such standards as “Crazy Rhythm,” “Clap Hands Here Comes Charley” and “If You Knew Susie,” has died at age 93.

Meyer, who died Monday in New York City, also co-wrote the words and music for “California, Here I Come” with lyricist B. G. (Buddy) De Sylva. The tune became an overnight success when Al Jolson sang it in the Broadway musical “Big Boy” in 1925.

De Sylva also was his collaborator on “If You Knew Susie,” which was introduced by Eddie Cantor and became his signature song.

Meyer was a native of Modesto, Calif., who grew up in San Francisco and went to New York in 1921 after service with the Army in World War I. He studied harmony and counterpoint in Paris, where he played violin in cafes.

Besides “Big Boy,” his Broadway shows included “Ziegfeld Follies of 1934,” “New Faces of 1936,” and “Charlot’s Revue,” a legendary 1926 production starring Gertrude Lawrence, Bea Lillie and Jack Buchanan. His most popular song for the show was “A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwich and You.”

He also contributed songs to the three “George White’s Scandals” films made in 1934, 1935 and 1945 and tunes for “Those Three French Girls,” “Possessed,” “Way Out West” and “Dancing Sweeties.”

Meyer’s other collaborators included Ira Gershwin, Billy Rose, Carl Sigman and Jack Yellen.