Egbert Anson Van Alstyne was born on March 4, 1878, in Marengo, Illinois, and became a prominent American songwriter and pianist, known for his contributions to early 20th-century popular and ragtime music. After attending the Chicago Musical College and Cornell College, Van Alstyne toured with vaudeville acts before moving to New York City in 1900. There, he worked as a Tin Pan Alley song-plugger and eventually established himself as a successful songwriter.

Van Alstyne's collaboration with lyricist Harry H. Williams led to their first major success with the song "Navajo," featured in the Broadway musical "Nancy Brown" in 1903. This partnership also produced the well-remembered "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" in 1905. Later, Van Alstyne teamed up with lyricist Gus Kahn, creating hits like "Memories."

Throughout his career, Van Alstyne composed numerous songs, including "Won't You Come Over to My House?" and "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark." He also contributed to Broadway scores, such as "A Broken Doll" and "Girlies." His work was characterized by clear, harmonic compositions that were both singable and memorable.

Van Alstyne lived in Chicago for many years and died there on July 9, 1951. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, recognizing his significant impact on American music.