Bob Merrill, born Henry Robert Merrill Levan on May 17, 1921, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was a prominent American songwriter, theatrical composer, lyricist, and screenwriter. He grew up in Philadelphia, where his family ran a candy factory and soda fountain. As a teenager, Merrill aspired to be a singer and participated in local talent contests, working as an impressionist-emcee at a burlesque house. His ambitions were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Horse Cavalry Division of the Army.

After the war, Merrill moved to Hollywood and worked as a dialogue director for Columbia Pictures. His songwriting career began when he was asked to write songs for Dorothy Shay's album, which became a hit. Merrill's collaboration with Al Hoffman and Clem Watts led to the creation of the novelty song "If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake," recorded by Eileen Barton in 1948. He also co-wrote "You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry."

Merrill was one of the most successful songwriters of the 1950s, known for hits like "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" and "Mambo Italiano." His Broadway debut came in 1957 with "New Girl in Town," followed by "Take Me Along" in 1959. He achieved significant success with "Carnival!" in 1961 and "Funny Girl" in 1964, the latter introducing standards such as "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade." Merrill was nominated for several Tony Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

Bob Merrill passed away on February 17, 1998, in Culver City, California, leaving behind a legacy of influential contributions to American popular music and theater.