Hugh Martin
Hugh Martin (August 11, 1914 – March 11, 2011) was an American musical theater and film composer, arranger, vocal coach, and playwright. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of Ellie Gordon (Robinson) and Hugh Martin, an architect. Martin studied music at Birmingham-Southern College and was a member of the Beta Beta chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
He was best known for his work on the 1944 MGM musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," where Judy Garland performed three of his songs: "The Boy Next Door," "The Trolley Song," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The latter has become a Christmas standard in the United States and other English-speaking regions. Martin developed a close friendship with Garland and served as her accompanist during her 1950s concert performances, including those at the Palace Theater.
Throughout his career, Martin contributed to five Broadway musicals, including "Best Foot Forward" (1941), "Look, Ma, I'm Dancin'!" (1948), "Make a Wish" (1951), "High Spirits" (1964), and "Meet Me In St. Louis" (1989). He also composed for the West End musical "Love from Judy" (1952). His Broadway debut was as an arranger for "Hooray for What!" (1937), and he continued in similar roles for various productions, including "The Boys From Syracuse" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
Hugh Martin passed away at the age of 96 in Encinitas, California.
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