Ted Shapiro
Ted Shapiro (October 31, 1899 – May 26, 1980) was a prominent American composer, pianist, and sheet music publisher known for his contributions to popular music. Born in New York City, Shapiro became a notable figure in the Tin Pan Alley music scene and worked as an accompanist for vaudeville stars such as Nora Bayes and Eva Tanguay. He gained significant recognition as the accompanist and music director for Sophie Tucker, with whom he worked until her death in 1966. Shapiro was known for his on-stage performances with Tucker, where they exchanged banter and wisecracks.
Shapiro joined the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1924, and his compositions include the holiday standard "Winter Weather" and the enduring hit "If I Had You." Other successful songs by Shapiro include "He's Home for a Little While," "A Handful of Stars," and "To You," among others.
Ted Shapiro was born to Jewish immigrant parents from Kovno, Russia (now Kaunas, Lithuania). He was married twice, first to Joan Max and later to Susan Frazier, with whom he collaborated on some songs. Shapiro adopted Susan's three children. After retiring to Bay Harbor, Florida, in 1966, he lived there until his death in 1980 at the age of 80.
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