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".

Biography

He was the lyricist for turn of century popular song Steamboat Bill with music by Bert Leighton.
He was a member of the vaudeville team of Shields and Maximillian. He was also a member of the Friars, White Rats, the Vaudeville Comedy Club.

His other Popular Songs

  • "Come, take a trip in my Air-ship."
Ren Shields ; George Evans
  • Don't Forget to Write Me Everyday.
Ren Shields ; Geo. Christie
  • Dreamy Eyes.
Ren Shields ; George Evans
  • Go Easy Mable.
Ren Shields ; Will D. Cobb ; Ed. Moran ; J. Fred Helf
  • Harry Tracy. A Desperate Ditty.
Ren Shields ; Bros
Ren Shields ; George Evans
  • Papa, Please Buy Me an Airship
Ren Shields ; Kerry Mills
Ren Shields ; Percy Wenrich
  • Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Make a Noise like a Hoop and Roll Away.
Ren Shields ; J. Fred Helf
  • Steamboat Bill.
Ren Shields ; Leighton Bros
  • The Hoola Boola Glide 1911
Ren Shields George Christie

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.