Dave Appell, born on March 24, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a prominent American musician, arranger, and record producer. His career began in the mid-1940s when he arranged music for big bands, including those led by Benny Carter and Earl "Fatha" Hines. During World War II, he composed and arranged for U.S. Navy bands, which set the stage for his future endeavors in the music industry.

Appell formed a group known as Dave Appell and the Applejacks, which gained popularity in the late 1950s with instrumental hits such as "Mexican Hat Rock." He became the Music Director for the "Ernie Kovacs Show" in Philadelphia and was a key figure at Cameo/Parkway Records, a label co-founded by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe. At Cameo/Parkway, Appell collaborated with Mann to produce numerous hits, including "Let's Twist Again" and "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, "Bristol Stomp" by The Dovells, and "South Street" by The Orlons.

Appell's influence extended into the 1970s, where he achieved success with productions for Tony Orlando and Dawn, including the chart-topping hits "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." His contributions to the music industry were recognized with his induction into the Walk of Fame in 1989.

Dave Appell passed away on November 18, 2014, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of music that defined an era and influenced countless artists. His work continues to be celebrated for its impact on the Philadelphia sound and the broader music landscape.