Morton Gould (December 10, 1913 – February 21, 1996) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist, celebrated for his ability to blend popular music styles with traditional classical forms. Born in Richmond Hill, New York, Gould was a child prodigy, publishing his first composition at the age of six. He studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York under Abby Whiteside and Vincent Jones. During the Great Depression, Gould played piano in movie theaters and with vaudeville acts in New York City. He became the staff pianist at Radio City Music Hall when it opened in 1932 and later conducted and arranged orchestral programs for WOR radio, reaching a national audience.

Gould's career spanned work in radio, film, television, and Broadway. He composed scores for Broadway productions like "Billion Dollar Baby" and "Arms and the Girl," and for films such as "Delightfully Dangerous." His television work included music for series like "World War One" and the miniseries "Holocaust." He also composed ballet scores including "Interplay" and "Fall River Legend." His compositions often incorporated American themes, with notable works such as "Latin-American Symphonette" and "Lincoln Legend."

As a conductor, Gould led major orchestras across the United States and internationally. He was recognized with prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award in 1966, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1994. Morton Gould passed away in Orlando, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and genre-blending compositions.