Ren Shields
Ren Shields was an American folk musician born in 1868 in Chicago, Illinois. He died on 25 October 1913 in Massapequa, New York. He co-wrote the song with George "Honey Boy" Evans "In the Good Old Summer Time" amongst other songs such as "Dreamy Eyes", and "Come, take a Trip in My Air-ship".
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Biography
He was the lyricist for turn of century popular song Steamboat Bill with music by Bert Leighton.[1] He was a member of the vaudeville team of Shields and Maximillian. He was also a member of the Friars, White Rats, the Vaudville Comedy Club.
His other Popular Songs
- "Come, take a trip in my Air-ship."
Ren Shields (lyricist); George Evans (composer) (Chas. K. Harris, 1911)
- Don't Forget to Write Me Everyday.
Ren Shields (lyricist); Geo. Christie (composer) (M. Witmark & Sons, 1908)
- Dreamy Eyes.
Ren Shields (lyricist); George Evans (composer) (Jerome H. Remick & Co., 1905)
- Go Easy Mable.
Ren Shields (lyricist); Will D. Cobb (composer); Ed. Moran (composer); J. Fred Helf (composer) (Hitland Music Publishers 1418 Broadway, 1909)
- Harry Tracy. A Desperate Ditty.
Ren Shields (lyricist); Bros (composer) (F.B. Haviland Publ. Co., New Zealand Building, Broadway & 37th St., 1911)
- In the Good Old Summer Time. Waltz Song.
Ren Shields (lyricist); George Evans (composer) (Howley, Haviland & Dresser, 1260-1266 Broadway, 1902)
- Papa, Please Buy Me an Airship
Ren Shields (lyricist); Kerry Mills (composer) (F.A. Mills, 122 W. 36th St., 1909)
- The Recipe For Love.
Ren Shields (lyricist); Percy Wenrich (composer) (Jos. W. Stern & Co., 102-104 W. 38th St., 1908)
- Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Make a Noise like a Hoop and Roll Away.
Ren Shields (lyricist(); J. Fred Helf (composer) (Hitland Music Publishers 1418 Broadway, 1908)
- Steamboat Bill.
Ren Shields (lyricist); Leighton Bros (composer) (F.A. Mills, 122 West 36th St., 1910)
- The Hoola Boola Glide 1911
Ren Shields (lyricist) George Christie (composer) (M. Witmark & Sons)
Death
Shortly before his death he became penniless stemming from developing a form of dementia which disabled him to take care of his affairs. Some of his theatrical colleagues looked after him.[2]