Henry 'Buddy' Bernier (April 21, 1910 – June 18, 1983) was an influential American lyricist, primarily active during the 1940s and 1950s. Born in Watertown, New York, Bernier hailed from a show business family; his mother, Margaret, was a singer and dancer, and his sisters, Daisy and Peggy, were a singer and actress, respectively.

Bernier's career as a songwriter took off in 1935 with the hit song "I Haven't Got A Hat." He gained further recognition in 1937 with "The Big Apple," a song that inspired a national dance craze. Among his notable works, Bernier co-wrote the lyrics for "Poinciana" with composer Nat Simon, a song that gained enduring popularity, particularly through its association with pianist Ahmad Jamal.

During World War II, Bernier served in the armed forces from April 1941 to March 1946, achieving the rank of corporal at the Lincoln Army Air Field and participating in seventeen missions over Japan.

In his personal life, Bernier was married to Jo Bernier and had five daughters, including Cindy Bernier, who later collaborated with him musically. He spent his later years in Westport, Connecticut, and passed away in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 73 due to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Bernier's contributions to music, especially through his lyrical work, left a lasting impact on the American music scene.