Joan Whitney Kramer, born Zoe Parenteau on June 26, 1914, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American singer and songwriter renowned for her contributions to popular music in the mid-20th century. She began her musical journey singing in her church choir and later attended Finch College in New York City. Her professional career took off when she adopted the stage name Joan Whitney and appeared as a showgirl in the Broadway production of "The Great Waltz" in 1934. She also performed with bands led by Will Osbourne and Leo Reisman.

Whitney's songwriting career was notably marked by her collaboration with Alex Kramer, whom she married. Together, they wrote numerous hits, including "High on a Windy Hill," "Candy," "Far Away Places," and "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens." Their work was recognized with a nomination to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1982. Whitney passed away on July 12, 1990, in Westport, Connecticut, due to Alzheimer's disease.