Carolyn Leigh (August 21, 1926 – November 19, 1983) was an American lyricist for Broadway, movies, and popular songs.
Leigh graduated from Queens College and New York University (both New York) and worked as a copy writer for radio stations and advertising agencies.
Her lyrics for Broadway shows include Peter Pan (music by Moose Charlap, additional music and lyrics by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green), Wildcat (music by Cy Coleman), Little Me (music by Coleman, book by Neil Simon), and How Now, Dow Jones (music by Elmer Bernstein). The last musical was derived from an original idea of Leigh's, though Max Shulman wrote the script. "The Best Is Yet to Come" is a song composed by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.
It is particularly associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it on his 1964 album It Might As Well Be Swing, accompanied by Count Basie, under the direction of Quincy Jones. It was the last song that Sinatra sang in public, on February 25, 1995.
The words The Best Is Yet to Come are imprinted on Sinatra's tombstone.Carolyn Leigh (August 21, 1926 – November 19, 1983) was an American lyricist for Broadway,.