Charles B. Lawlor

Who was Charles B. Lawlor?

Charles B. Lawlor was an American vaudeville performer and composer of popular songs. He was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1869. Lawlor is primarily remembered today as the composer of the 1894 song, The Sidewalks of New York, a song for which he wrote the melody. The lyrics are by James W. Blake. Although the song was popular immediately after it was written, Lawlor, as well as the lyricist, Blake, rose to renewed prominence when the song became the theme song of the 1928 Democratic presidential candidate, Alfred E. Smith. Lawlor was part of a vaudeville team with songwriter and performer James Thornton.

Lawlor’s other compositions include: You’re the Best Little Girl of Them All, Irish Liberty, Pretty Peggy, and The Mick Who Threw the Brick.