Composer ("Forever and a Day"), songwriter, author, singer and
director, a vaudeville performer at 16 and later in the Broadway
musicals 'As the Girls Go', and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', and later
on television. He wrote special material for Kaye Ballard, Tallulah
Bankhead, Patrice Munsel, Lana Turner and Edie Adams, and also composed
songs for the Broadway musical 'Make a Wish'. His stage scores include
'Love From Judy' (London) and 'High Spirits' (New York). Joining ASCAP
in 1959, his chief musical collaborator was Hugh Martin, and his other
popular-song compositions include "Go and Get Your Old Banjo", "Was She
Prettier Than I?", "Home Sweet Heaven", "You'd Better Love Me" and "If
I Gave You".
In 1964, was nominated for three Tony Awards for his collaboration with
Hugh Martin on "High Spirits:" as Best Author (Musical), Best Composer and
Lyricist, and for lyrics and music that contributed to a Best Musical
nomination.