Arthur Kent, a musician and the composer of Skeeter Davis' 1963 hit, "The End of
The World", died on Jan. 26, in Florence, South Carolina. He was 88.

Born in New York, N.Y., Arthur Kent had a 35 year career in the music business,
from New York to Nashville.

Joining ASCAP in 1942, he co-wrote dozens of songs, perhaps the biggest of which
was Skeeter Davis' 1963 hit "The End of The World". Produced by Anita Kerr, the
record proved to be one of country music's "crossover" hit songs. Covered by
such diverse vocalists as Al Martino, Bobby Vinton, The Lettermen, The
Carpenters, as well as instrumentalists such as Henry Mancini and Percy Faith,
it would go on to become one of the most recognized songs of the '60s. The
song's mournful lyrics were written by Sylvia Dee. Other lyricists Arthur Kent
collaborated with were Sammy Gallop, Redd Evans and Johnny Mercer.

Artists who recorded songs by Arthur Kent were Ella Fitzgerald, Nat 'King' Cole,
Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gormé, The Mills Brothers ("You Never Miss The Water Till
The Well Runs Dry"), Etta Jones ("Don't Go To Strangers"), and Julie London
("I'm Coming Back To You"), among others.

Arthur Kent is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen, two daughters and two
granddaughters. A memorial service for the composer/musician was held on Feb. 5.