Speed Langworthy

Norval Bertrand "Speed" Langworthy (May 15, 1901 – March 22, 1999) was an American lyricist, newspaper magnate, international relations expert, and advertising account executive.

[6] Langworthy was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist[7] and relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan by 1920.

Langworthy attended high school in Billings, graduating from Culver Military Academy.

His signature songs were "We Men Must Grow a Mustache" and "Christofo Columbo (Thought the world was roundo)."

[12] Langworthy found success with his 1925 hit, "Christofo Columbo (Thought the world was roundo)".

Langworthy and Jean Anthony Greif wrote "I Can't Live Without Just You" in 1926.

[16] His other song credits include "Meenie from Meeneesota" (1927), "I'm Painting your Face in the Moon" (1928) and "Me and Mah Razor" (1928).

"[21] In 1930, Langworthy teamed up with Fred Rose (songwriter), Geoffrey F Morgan, Leo Friedman and Harry L Alford to write "A dumb waiter, a musical comedy in two acts.

[22] He co-wrote "A bold front, a musical comedy in two acts" in 1930 with Rose, Morgan, and Alford.

Langworthy retired as a lyricist to focus on international relations, advertising, and his newspaper business.

Langworthy's fraternity brothers included mostly his childhood friends, business associates, barbershop quartet.

[5] Langworthy wrote "4 chord "uke" instructor : the world's easiest ukulele song book" in 1950.

[9] In the article it was reported that the Langworthy family had purchased a cabin near Big Timber, Montana in 1947 where they spent their summers.

[citation needed] "Speed Langworthy's song "We Men Must Grow a Mustache" comically reflects one public desire for more manly men," writes Mary Katherine Killeen, "The cartoon man depicted on the sheet music cover is especially relevant because he highlights the performative nature of the masculine image.

The illustrated character is depicted with his chest so inflated that his posture has hollowed his back, and his overly groomed manner of dress and style satirize the attempts of a Dandy affecting a more masculine image by growing a mustache.