Horatio Nicholls, born Frederick Lawrence Wright on February 15, 1888, in Leicester, England, was a prolific British composer and music publisher. He began his career in music by setting up a market stall in Leicester to sell sheet music, including his own compositions. He gained significant recognition with the song "Don't Go Down the Mine, Daddy," which became a million-seller following mining disasters. In 1911, he moved to London and established the Lawrence Wright Music Company on Denmark Street, contributing to its reputation as London's Tin Pan Alley.

Using the pseudonym Horatio Nicholls, Wright co-wrote numerous successful songs, including "Are We Downhearted? No!" and "That Old-Fashioned Mother of Mine." He founded the influential music journal Melody Maker in 1926 and was known for his promotional stunts, such as riding a camel in Piccadilly Circus. Wright's contributions to music were recognized with an Ivor Novello Award in 1962. He passed away on May 19, 1964, in Blackpool, England.