Harold Dickinson, born Junior Harold H. Dickinson on December 12, 1913, in Buffalo, New York, was a prominent figure in the American music scene as a founder of The Modernaires, a jazz harmony group. Known by his nickname "Hal," Dickinson was a composer, songwriter, producer, and singer who collaborated with notable orchestras led by Paul Whiteman, Fred Waring, Charlie Barnet, Glenn Miller, and Bob Crosby. He also appeared in films, nightclubs, and on television. As president of Compass Productions and a member of ASCAP since 1956, Dickinson worked with musical collaborators such as Alan Copeland, Jack Lloyd, Sidney Lippman, and Jack Elliott. His songwriting credits include "These Things You Left Me," "Everytime I See You," "Jingle Bell Polka," and "Too Young to Know."

The Modernaires, initially a trio formed with high school friends in 1935, gained fame after joining Glenn Miller's orchestra. The group expanded to a quintet with the addition of Dickinson's wife, singer Paula Kelly, in 1941. They became popular on TV variety shows and continued performing in clubs and concerts. Harold Dickinson passed away on November 18, 1970, leaving behind his wife and three daughters, who followed in his musical footsteps.