1891-1945

Songwriter. Born in Zurich after his parents fled Russia. The family immigrated to the US in 1893, settling in Philadelphia. He wrote the lyrics for a large number of hit songs, enjoying his first success in 1916 with “Twas Only an Irishman’s Dream.” He was signed up by Warner Bros in 1929 who in 1932 teamed him with composer Harry Warren, the partnership for which is he best remembered. His most famous song is probably "Tip-toe Through the Tulips" written in 1929.