Ray Gilbert (5 September 1912, Hartford, Connecticut – 3 March 1976, Los Angeles, California) was a lyricist.
Gilbert is best remembered for the lyrics to the Oscar winning song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" from the film Song of the South, which he wrote with Allie Wrubel in 1947.
He married, in 1962, actress Janis Paige. "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" is a song from the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie Song of the South, sung by James Baskett. The music was written by Allie Wrubel, the lyrics by Ray Gilbert and was published in 1946. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
For many years the song was part of an opening theme medley for the Wonderful World of Disney television program, and it has often been used in other TV and video productions by the studio. It is one of many popular songs that use a bluebird ("Mr. bluebird on my shoulder"), epitomized by the "Bluebird of Happiness," as a symbol of cheer.
The song is heard during the finale of the popular Disney theme park ride Splash Mountain, and can be found on many official albums:
* The Official Album of Disneyland and Walt Disney World (1991 CD)
* Disneyland/Walt Disney.