Close

Image Donated by Corbis-Bettmann

Frank Loesser 1910-1969

Versatile composer and lyricist Frank Loesser is best known for his Broadway hits Guys and Dolls (1950) and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961), two shows that won him Tony Awards for both music and lyrics, as well as the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Guys and Dolls. Born in New York, Loesser moved to Hollywood in 1936 where he wrote lyrics for such standards as "Two Sleepy People" and "I Hear Music." Loesser also wrote the music and lyrics for Where's Charley? (1948) and The Most Happy Fella (1956). One of his songs, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Original Song.