Hy Heath
Walter Henry "Hy" Heath (July 9, 1890 – April 3, 1965) was an American entertainer, songwriter, composer, and writer. Born in Oakville, Tennessee, he was educated in public schools before embarking on a career as a comedian in musical comedy, vaudeville, minstrel, and burlesque shows. During the late 1920s into the early 1930s, Hy performed with fellow vaudevillian and longtime family friend Dan White.
Heath's chief musical collaborators included Johnny Lange and Fred Rose. Among his most successful compositions was "Mule Train," which earned him an Academy Award nomination after being featured in the 1950 film "Singing Guns." Another popular song he composed was "The Hills of Utah," performed by Ken Curtis in the Hollywood western "Stallion Canyon."
Hy Heath passed away on April 3, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California.