Frank Henry Loesser (June 29, 1910 – July 26, 1969) was an American songwriter who wrote the scores to the Broadway hits Guys And Dolls and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, among others. He won separate Tony Awards for the music and lyrics in both shows, as well as sharing the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the latter. He also wrote numerous songs for films and Tin pan alley, many of which have become standards, and was nominated for five Academy Awards for best song, winning once for "Baby, It's Cold Outside".
Loesser was born in New York City to Henry Loesser, a pianist, and Julia Ehrlich. He left City College of New York in 1925 after one year. After trying various jobs, by 1935 he was performing in a club with singer Lynn Blankenbaker Garland, whom he married.[1]
After signing with Universal Pictures in 1936 he moved to Hollywood, and then worked for Paramount Pictures. He wrote lyrics for many songs during this time, including "Two Sleepy People" and "I Hear Music". He stayed there until World War II, when he was in the Army Air Force.[1]