Who Was Hank Beebe? Prolific composer and founder of Schoolhouse dead at 96
Hank Beebe was an American composer best known for his choral compositions, Broadway musicals, and, most notably, his work composing industrial musicals for the employees and shareholders of major American corporations from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Bathtubs Over Broadway, an American documentary film released in 2018, documented his work during this time period.
Beebe’s first job was as music director for WCAU television’s “The Children’s Hour” in Philadelphia. Beebe briefly appeared on The Mike Douglas Show in 1967 before moving on to musical theater.
Beebe auditioned for “The Chevy Show,” a “corporate musical” promoting the new 1957 Chevrolet line of production, while working on Broadway in New York City. Although the show included a musical book, score, cast, and full orchestra, it was not intended for the general public to see; only Detroit dealers and Chevy executives and their employees were invited.