Robert Loveman

Robert Loveman (April 11, 1864 – July 9, 1923) was an American poet who was born into a Jewish family in Cleveland, Ohio. Educated first at the Dalton Academy in Dalton, Georgia, he later attended the University of Alabama and received an A.M.  While attending the University of Alabama he wrote his famous "Rain Song" poem, which was inspired by the gardens surrounding the house. For much of his life Loveman lived in Dalton and wrote much of his poetry there. His poem "The Rain Song" (also known as "April Rain"), was later anthologized in many books and poetry and inspired Al Jolson's song "April Showers." His song "Georgia", set to the music of Lollie Belle Wylie, was the official state song of Georgia prior to 1979 when it was superceded by "Georgia on My Mind". Loveman died in Hot Springs, Arkansas and in 1981 a biographical study "It's Raining Violets: The Life and Poetry of Robert Loveman" was published by William Stanley Hoole,