Timeline of Cole Porter’s Life and Works

May 23, 2025

How much do you know about American composer Cole Porter? Born in Peru, Indiana in 1891, Cole Porter went on to become one of the most celebrated American composers of his generation, writing the music and lyrics of over 30 stage and film productions.

Test your knowledge of Cole Porter’s work in this timeline of his life.

June 9, 1891

Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana, the grandson of millionaire speculator J.O Cole.

1905

Porter’s grandfather, convinced his grandson should become a lawyer, sent him away to boarding school at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts.

1909-1913

Graduating at the top of his class from Worchester Academy, Porter enrolled at Yale. It was here he began his foray into musical theater, writing over 300 songs for shows put on by his fraternity and the Yale Dramatic Association.

1914 – 1916

After graduating from Yale, Porter enrolled in Harvard Law School. The move was short-lived, however, and Porter soon left law school and instead enrolled in Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in music.

1916

Porter’s musical, “See America First,” opens on Broadway. The success was short-lived, however, and the musical closed after just 15 performances.

December 18, 1919

In Hollywood, Porter with Ann Miller, Jack Cummings, and Kathryn Grayson.

Though openly gay, Porter married wealthy socialite Linda Lee Thomas. The two became famous for their lively parties, which were often attended by many celebrities.

1919 – 1920

Porter begins to enjoy some musical success — contributing songs to the Broadway production of “Hitchy-Koo of 1919” and the musical “A Night Out.”

1923 – 1930

Porter composed a series of songs across mediums, composing a ballet “Within the Quota” (which was performed in Paris and New York), as well as individual songs for stage musicals and films, such as “Let’s Do It” (1928), “What Is This Thing Called Love” (1929), “You Do Something to Me” (1929), and “Love for Sale” (1930).

1928