Matt Dennis was an American songwriter and singer whose compositions became essential repertoire for jazz musicians and vocalists. Born in Seattle in 1914, his most productive period occurred during his 1940-1941 tenure with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, when the band recorded 14 of his songs in a single year. Working primarily with lyricist Tom Adair, Dennis created enduring jazz standards including "Everything Happens to Me," "Violets for Your Furs," "Let's Get Away From It All," and "Will You Still Be Mine." With lyricist Earl Brent, he wrote "Angel Eyes," another widely covered standard. Dennis's songs have been interpreted by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins, with Dave Brubeck devoting his 1965 album Angel Eyes entirely to Dennis's works. He died in Riverside, California, in 2002.
