February 1 was the 150th birthday anniversary of Victor Herbert, the great Irish-American composer of such operettas as “Babes in Toyland,” “Naughty Marietta,” “Sweethearts” and “The Red Mill.” Herbert was also the driving force behind the establishment of ASCAP and served as Vice President of the organization from 1914 until his death in 1924. Victor August Herbert (February 1, 1859 – May 26, 1924) was a cellist, conductor and composer best known for his light operas. He was prominent among the tin pan alley composers. He published some of his dance music compositions under the pseudonym Noble MacClure.
