Robert D. Emmerich, known professionally as Bob Emmerich, was an influential American pianist and composer born on July 26, 1904, in New York City. He passed away on May 15, 1988, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Emmerich was a self-taught musician who rose to prominence as a vaudeville, radio, and nightclub performer. He was notably associated with the Tommy Dorsey band and composed numerous popular songs, including "The Big Apple," which became synonymous with New York City. His work extended to collaborations with renowned artists such as Fats Waller, Buddy Bernier, and Joseph Meyer. Emmerich's songwriting success included chart-topping hits like "The Big Apple" by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, which reached number one in 1937. He also contributed to "Hear My Song, Violetta" by The Glenn Miller Orchestra, which charted at number nine in 1940. Emmerich's extensive discography and collaborations with artists like Dinah Shore, Kate Smith, and Glenn Miller underscore his significant impact on the jazz and big band music scenes.