Franz Grothe, born Franz Johannes August Grothe on September 17, 1908, in Berlin, Germany, was a prominent composer known for his contributions to film music, operettas, and popular songs. His career spanned several decades, during which he composed music for 170 films between 1930 and 1969, making him one of the most successful composers in the realm of entertainment music. Grothe's work included a wide range of musical forms, from folk songs and chansons to art songs, revues, musicals, and concert music.

He was a member of the Nazi Party from 1933 and opposed de-nazification after World War II. Despite this controversial aspect of his life, Grothe's music gained widespread acclaim. He was also a pianist and conductor, and he gained a national audience as the musical director of the popular TV variety show "Zum Blauen Bock" starting in 1965. In 1960, he established the Franz Grothe Foundation to support emerging or struggling musicians and composers.

Grothe was married twice, first to Kirsten Heiberg from 1938 until their divorce in 1960, and then to Gerda Grothe from 1966 until his death on September 12, 1982, in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany. He had one child, Karin Grothe. His legacy includes a vast array of compositions that continue to be celebrated in the world of music.