Walter Kalish Gross, born on July 14, 1909, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prominent American jazz musician, composer, songwriter, arranger, and conductor. He is best known for composing the music for the 1946 song "Tenderly," which became a jazz and pop standard. Gross displayed musical talent early, giving his first piano recital at age 10 and hosting a 15-minute piano program on radio station WEAF in New York City by 1923.

In the 1930s, Gross began his professional career, playing piano in bands led by renowned musicians such as Paul Whiteman, Andre Kostelanetz, Tommy Dorsey, and Raymond Scott. He also worked as a staff pianist at CBS radio and led the orchestra for Frank Sinatra's CBS program, "Reflections," in 1942.

After serving in the military during World War II, Gross became an executive at Musicraft Records, where he worked as a conductor, arranger, and pianist. In 1946, lyricist Jack Lawrence added words to a melody Gross had composed, resulting in the song "Tenderly." Initially a modest hit, the song gained popularity when Rosemary Clooney recorded it in 1952, making it a million-seller and solidifying its place in the pop standards repertoire.

Gross composed several other works, including "Your Love," "I'm in a Fog About You," and "Just a Moon Ago," collaborating with lyricists like Carl Sigman, Bobby Troup, and Ned Washington. He recorded solo piano singles for labels such as Bluebird, MGM, ABC-Paramount, and Royale.

In the 1950s, Gross relocated to California, where he continued to make occasional club appearances. He passed away on November 27, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, after being found unconscious in his apartment. Gross's contributions to jazz and popular music, particularly through "Tenderly," have left a lasting legacy.