Karl Suessdorf
Karl A. Suessdorf (April 28, 1911 – February 25, 1982) was an American songwriter renowned for his contributions to the jazz genre. Born in Valdez, Alaska, Suessdorf was the son of Henry F. Suessdorf, who operated the Copper Block Buffet in Valdez from 1907 to 1917. By 1920, Karl was living in Los Angeles with his grandmother. He married Anna E. van Kleeff, known by her stage name Kita van Cleve, in 1938. The couple lived in Hollywood, where Suessdorf worked as a salesman at a gasoline station, but they divorced around 1946.
Suessdorf's most notable work was his collaboration with lyricist John Blackburn on the jazz standard "Moonlight in Vermont," first recorded in 1944 by Billy Butterfield's Orchestra featuring Margaret Whiting. He also composed "I Wish I Knew" (1945) and "Susquehanna" (1957) with Blackburn, and "Sea at Monterey" (1957) with Blackburn and Steve Graham. Other compositions include "Christmas Madonna" (1958) and "Coral Sea" (1965) with Nick Cea, and "Key Largo" (1948) with Benny Carter and Leah Worth. His song "Did Anyone Ever Tell You, Mrs. Murphy?" became a hit for Perry Como in 1949.
Suessdorf's works have been recorded by numerous artists, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan, whose compilation album featured both "Key Largo" and "Moonlight in Vermont." Karl Suessdorf passed away at the age of 70 due to a heart ailment in Fallbrook, California.
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