The Early Years

In 1920, a foursome at San Gabriel Country Club had this far-fetched notion of wanting to create their own private country club. Samuel M. Newmark, Louis Isaacs, Karl Triest and Joseph Y. Baruh spent several weeks quietly searching for a suitable site and finally came across a charming little parcel of rolling hills on Pico Boulevard, a half day's drive from downtown on an old dusty road, owned at the time by the Huntington Land and Water Company.

Growth

During the first years of Hillcrest’s existence, it quickly became recognized as one of the premier country clubs in the nation. Prominent members of the community flocked to join. Among those applying for membership were some of the most famous and highly visible personalities in the motion picture business such as Jack Warner, Samuel Goldwyn, Adolph Zukor and Louis B. Mayer.

The Round Table

The most cherished area on the massive grounds of Hillcrest Country Club probably isn't on the golf course, in fact, it's not on any of the tennis courts nor in either of the locker rooms.

Hillcrest’s most famous site is undeniably a large, round oak table that rests inconspicuously in The Grill. To outsiders this looks like a comfortable place to rest one's weary legs, however, to any member of Hillcrest, this solid piece of wood is simply known as "The Round Table". 

As Arthur Marx wrote in an article some time ago- "The Hillcrest Round Table of Comedians, a comedic moniker playing off New York’s renown Algonquin Round Table frequented by writers and intellectuals of the '20's, didn't begin as a club at all. It came about because Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Harpo, Chico and Groucho Marx, George Jessel, Eddie Cantor, Lou Holtz, the Ritz Brothers, Danny Kaye and George Burns all liked to play golf, and in order to play they had to belong to a club. Because they were Jewish, however, they couldn't join most of the swank clubs like the Bel-Air, Wilshire, Riviera and Los Angeles country clubs-which back in the 30's and 40's were open only to gentiles. So they found their way to Hillcrest. Since this cast of characters had been friends since their vaudeville days, when they used to eat regularly at a greasy spoon called “Wolpin's” off Times Square, waiting for the day they would finally get a booking at the famed Palace Theater next door, they naturally gravitated toward one another and shared the same table at lunch. And thus was born the notorious Round Table.”

Lou Holtz and George Jessel had no other reason but the food to join Hillcrest; neither played golf. Both, in fact, were careful never to stray from the dining room or card rooms into the outdoors. Once when they accidentally opened the wrong door and found themselves out on the terrace facing the panorama of the green fairways and blue sky, Jessel exclaimed, "My God, how long has that golf course been here?"

Groucho Marx famously said, “I would never be a member of a Club which would have me as one of its members…” just before he and the other Marx brothers joined Hillcrest Country Club.

Al Jolson (1886–1950), known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer," was a pioneering performer of stage and screen. Born Asa Yoelson in Lithuania, he immigrated to the U.S. and became a vaudeville sensation. Jolson's dynamic performances, including his iconic blackface routines, made him a superstar of the 1920s and 1930s. Best known for starring in The Jazz Singer (1927), the first feature-length talkie, Jolson's influence on American music and film is enduring. Despite controversy over his use of blackface, he was a vocal advocate for African-American artists. His hits include "Swanee" and "Mammy."

Gus Kahn (1886–1941) was a German-born lyricist whose work became synonymous with the Great American Songbook. Collaborating with composers like Walter Donaldson and Isham Jones, Kahn created timeless hits such as "It Had to Be You," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and "I'll See You in My Dreams." He moved to Chicago as a child and later worked in Tin Pan Alley and Hollywood. Known for his romantic and heartfelt lyrics, Kahn's work remains a hallmark of classic popular music.

Sigmund Romberg (1887–1951) was a Hungarian-American composer best known for his operettas and Broadway musicals. Trained in Vienna, he brought European sophistication to American music. His most celebrated works include The Student Prince, The Desert Song, and The New Moon. With lush melodies like “Deep in My Heart, Dear” and “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise,” Romberg became one of the most successful composers of his time, shaping the Golden Age of operetta.

Irving Berlin (1888–1989), born Israel Beilin in Russia, was one of America’s greatest songwriters. He wrote over 1,500 songs, including classics like "God Bless America," "White Christmas," and "There's No Business Like Show Business." A self-taught musician, Berlin’s work spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and patriotic anthems. Known for his ability to capture the American spirit, Berlin's contributions to music and culture were profound, making him a symbol of the American Dream.

Grace Leboy Kahn (1890–1983) was a composer and the wife of lyricist Gus Kahn. A talented pianist and songwriter, she collaborated with Kahn on several projects and was a key influence on his career. Her compositions, often featured in vaudeville, showcased her knack for crafting memorable melodies. Though less well-known than her husband, Grace was a significant figure in early 20th-century American music.

Martin Broones (1892–1971) was a composer and music executive known for his contributions to film and theater music. Working at MGM during Hollywood's Golden Age, he composed scores for numerous films and oversaw the music department. His work blended classical and popular styles, contributing to the era’s cinematic magic.

Harry Warren (1893–1981) was an American composer and pioneer of film music, penning over 800 songs and 42 Oscar-nominated hits, including classics like "At Last" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and “Lullaby of Boradway.  He won three Academy Awards and was a key figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.

Arthur Freed (1894–1973) was a lyricist and producer who helped define the MGM musical era.  He wrote musical classics like "Singin' in the Rain." As the head of MGM's "Freed Unit," he produced some of the most celebrated musicals of all time, including "The Wizard of Oz."

Irving Caesar (1895–1996) was a prolific American lyricist and composer best known for his work in Broadway musicals and popular songs. His most famous songs include "Tea for Two" and "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes." Caesar's career spanned decades, during which he collaborated with composers like Vincent Youmans and Harry Warren. His songs became standards in the Great American Songbook, known for their catchy melodies and clever, sometimes whimsical lyrics. Caesar was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was influential in shaping the popular music landscape of the early 20th century.

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Ralph Ranger (1901–1983) was a prominent American composer and lyricist, best known for his collaborations in the world of Broadway musicals and Hollywood film scores. His works, including "Breezin' Along with the Breeze" and "I Get a Kick Out of You," reflect his ability to combine melody and lyricism with elegance and charm. Ranger worked with notable figures like composer Harry Warren and lyricist Leo Robin. His music was featured in films like The Broadway Melody (1929) and Gold Diggers of 1933. Though his fame waned in later years, his contributions remain a key part of early 20th-century American music.

Mack Gordon (1904–1959) was an influential American lyricist and composer, particularly known for his collaborations with composer Harry Warren. Together, they created several memorable songs for Hollywood films, including "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "At Last," and "You'll Never Know." Gordon’s career flourished during the 1930s and 1940s, with his music gracing numerous major film productions, especially with 20th Century Fox. A frequent collaborator with director Busby Berkeley, Gordon’s lyrics helped shape the golden age of Hollywood musicals. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “You’ll Never Know” in 1943.

Harold Arlen (1905–1986) was an American composer renowned for his contributions to the Great American Songbook. He is best known for composing the iconic song “Over the Rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz (1939). Arlen’s career spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and the jazz era, with hits like “Stormy Weather” and “The Man That Got Away.” His work was noted for its distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and classical influences. A prolific composer, Arlen collaborated with notable lyricists such as Johnny Mercer and Yip Harburg, leaving an enduring legacy of songs that remain staples of American popular music.

Sammy Cahn (1913–1993) was a celebrated American lyricist and songwriter whose career spanned over five decades. Known for his wit and sophisticated wordplay, Cahn wrote lyrics for some of the most enduring songs in American pop culture, including “Love and Marriage,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” and “My Kind of Town.” His work with composers like Jule Styne and Jimmy Van Heusen produced a string of hits in Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. Cahn won multiple Academy Awards and Grammy Awards, becoming one of the most influential lyricists of the 20th century.

Sylvia Fine Kaye (1913–1991) was an accomplished lyricist, composer, and producer, best known for her work alongside her husband, comedian Danny Kaye. Born in Brooklyn, Fine studied music at Brooklyn College and crafted witty, sophisticated songs for stage and screen, including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Court Jester. She often infused humor with sharp commentary, creating memorable musical moments. In addition to her creative work, she lectured on musical theater and contributed to the preservation of American music. Her career bridged the worlds of comedy and music, making her an integral figure in mid-20th-century entertainment.

Hal David (1921–2012) was a legendary lyricist who, with composer Burt Bacharach, created timeless hits such as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” Born in Brooklyn, David began his career writing lyrics for Hollywood films and went on to craft chart-topping songs that spanned pop, country, and jazz. His words conveyed simplicity, emotion, and universality, resonating with audiences worldwide. A Grammy and Oscar winner, David also served as the chairman of ASCAP. His collaborations shaped the sound of the 1960s and left an enduring legacy in American popular music.

Jerry Goldsmith (1929–2004) was a trailblazing composer renowned for his innovative film and television scores. Born in Los Angeles, he studied at USC and began his career in radio and television before transitioning to film. Goldsmith scored over 250 projects, including Planet of the Apes, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and The Omen, for which he won an Academy Award. Known for blending traditional orchestration with electronic elements, his music heightened the emotional impact of storytelling. A recipient of numerous accolades, Goldsmith remains a revered figure in the world of cinematic music.

Berry Gordy Jr. (b. 1929) is a music mogul and founder of Motown Records, the label that defined an era and launched the careers of superstars like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Born in Detroit, Gordy worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company before channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into music production. His vision for “The Sound of Young America” transcended racial barriers and revolutionized pop music. With hits like “My Girl” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Motown became a cultural phenomenon. Gordy’s impact extends beyond music to film and Broadway, cementing his legacy as a pioneer.

Neil Diamond (b. 1942) is a celebrated singer-songwriter whose career spans over six decades, marked by hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “America.” Born in Brooklyn, Diamond initially pursued a career in medicine before turning to music. His songwriting prowess earned him early success at the Brill Building, writing for artists like The Monkees. As a performer, his heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice captivated audiences worldwide, leading to more than 125 million records sold. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Diamond’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to connect deeply with listeners.

Freddie Wexler (b. 1986) is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and composer, known for his work in pop and contemporary music. He grew up in New York and developed a passion for music at an early age, later pursuing a career as a writer and producer. Wexler has written and collaborated on numerous hits for top artists across various genres, contributing to the success of tracks by artists like Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, and Tori Kelly. His songwriting blends emotional depth with commercial appeal, making him a respected figure in the modern music industry. Wexler continues to innovate and shape the sound of contemporary pop music.