Mitchell Parish

Mitchell Parish, born Michael Hyman Pashelinsky on July 10, 1900, was an esteemed American lyricist. Emigrating from Lithuania to the United States in early childhood, he grew up in New York City. Parish pursued education at Columbia University and N.Y.U. before swapping a potential law career for songwriting. A Tin Pan Alley lyricist, his vaudeville beginnings led to writing for the stage and screen. He collaborated with notable composers like Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington, earning a reputation as the 'poet laureate of the profession.' Parish was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, known for hits like 'Stardust' and 'Moonlight Serenade'. He claimed uncredited work on 'Mood Indigo.' Parish passed away on March 31, 1993.