Herman Stein (August 19, 1915 – March 15, 2007) was an American composer renowned for his contributions to the sound of 1950s science-fiction and horror films produced by Universal Studios. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stein was a child prodigy, playing piano by age three and debuting professionally at six. He began his career as a jazz composer and arranger in the 1930s and 1940s, working with notable bandleaders like Count Basie and Fred Waring. After serving in World War II, he moved to Hollywood in 1948 and studied under the Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

In 1951, Stein joined Universal Studios, where he composed music for approximately 200 films, although his contributions were often uncredited due to studio practices. His work included themes and scores for films such as "It Came From Outer Space," "Revenge of the Creature," and "This Island Earth." Stein also composed for television series like "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp," "Gunsmoke," and "Lost in Space." In addition to film and television, he wrote pieces like "The Sour Suite" for woodwind quintet.

Stein married Anita Shervin, a violist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in 1950. He retired in the 1970s and passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 91 due to congestive heart failure. His legacy includes a significant influence on the musical landscape of mid-20th century genre films.