Nathaniel Shilkret (December 25, 1889 – February 18, 1982) was a prominent American composer, conductor, clarinetist, pianist, and music director, born in New York City to an Austrian immigrant family. A child prodigy, Shilkret toured the United States as a clarinet soloist with the New York Boys' Orchestra from ages seven to thirteen. In his teens and twenties, he played with prestigious ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic Society, the Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra, and Sousa's Grand Concert Band.

Shilkret joined the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor) around 1915, eventually becoming "director of light music." He conducted thousands of recordings, including the first electrical process record and the first commercial Victor Long Playing record. He was instrumental in the premiere recording of George Gershwin's An American in Paris and conducted the 1927 recording of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

In addition to his recording achievements, Shilkret was a pioneer in radio, conducting over 3000 broadcasts and working with nearly every major musical star of his time. He composed numerous popular songs, with "The Lonesome Road" being his most successful, recorded by artists like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.

Shilkret moved to Los Angeles in 1935, where he worked in Hollywood on film scores for studios like RKO and MGM. His notable film work includes scores for Shall We Dance and Swing Time. He also composed concert works, including a trombone concerto premiered by Tommy Dorsey and performed at Carnegie Hall.

Shilkret's legacy is marked by his contributions to both commercial and classical music, making him a significant figure in 20th-century American music history.