Philip Springer, who is the songwriter of More Than Santa Baby, was lovingly captured in short documentary, written and produced by his daughter Tamar Springer.
The film took home the Audience Award for Documentary Short at the 28th Dances With Films, Sunday, June 29th, at the TCL Chinese Theater Hollywood. It also won an award at its second festival, the Marina Del Rey Film festival, for Best Sound Documentary Short Film.
Tamar said “I have long believed that my father’s music beyond his worldwide classic Christmas song is much deserving of recognition. His story is adorned with legendary artists of the Golden Era and is one of perseverance, hope and resilience. He is still composing and he just turned 99!”
Springer calls himself “a living relic of the golden age of American song” and still laments at the loss of the famed Brill Building at 49th and Broadway in New York City, where he spent the most productive time of his life.
With songs like Heartbroken, The Next Time, Moonlight Gambler, How Little it Matters, How Little We Know and Did You Know the World is Beautiful? the world will never forget the contributions Springer made to songwriting for over the past eight decades.
“It was an honor to showcase the world premiere of a heartfelt documentary which tells the little known story of a man with an incredible music career who created a song which has become a holiday classic,” said Jackie Tepper, Producing Partner and Documentary Programing Chair with the Dances With Films Film Festival.
“Everyone knows the hit songs, but we often don’t know the stories behind these unsung heroes. At 99 years young, Philip Springer is still an inspiration,” said Tepper.
Tamar is an accomplished producer, including the award-winning CD/Book “The Last Legacy of E.Y. Harburg,” several CDs featuring her father’s music, musical productions and a single of “Santa Baby” recorded with Eartha Kitt with her father on the piano. Tamar is a voting member of the Recording Academy. “More Than Santa Baby,”, a true passion project, is Tamar’s first film.
Such a beautiful tribute to your father. Santa Baby is iconic, and now your award-winning documentary ensures that Philip Springer’s legacy will continue to inspire for generations. Your father as well as his story is remarkable and your recognition is so well deserved. Bravo!