Hans May, originally born Hans Mayer in Vienna in 1886, was a prominent composer known for his work in Schlager, revues, operettas, and film music both on the European continent and later in Britain. Born into a Jewish family, Hans was a child prodigy who studied piano with Anton Door and later composition with Richard Heuberger. He began his career composing piano pieces and songs, with his first work published under the pen name Hans May while he was still in school.

Before World War I, Hans May gained success as a composer and served as the musical director of the Carl-Theater in Vienna. His first operetta, "Der Teufelswalzer," premiered at the Ronacher Theatre in 1912. During the war, he composed patriotic songs, including "Hindenburg, der Russenschreck."

After the war, May moved to Berlin, where he composed popular songs and music for shows and revues, and worked as a musical director in cabaret theatres. In 1923, he co-founded the cabaret Die Gondel. May's versatility allowed him to transition into composing for silent films, writing at least forty scores by 1927. With the advent of talkies, he continued to be prolific in film music, creating popular songs for films, including those performed by tenor Joseph Schmidt.

One of May's notable works is the operetta "Die tanzende Stadt" (The Dancing City), composed in 1934, which reflects the complex cultural exchanges of the 1930s, being a German-language operetta by an Austrian composer, written and published in France, and first performed in Switzerland. Hans May's career exemplifies the rich and diverse musical landscape of early 20th-century Europe.