Robert Gilbert, born Robert David Winterfeld on September 29, 1899, in Hamburg, Germany, was a multifaceted German composer, lyricist, singer, and actor. He was the son of Max Winterfeld, a composer and conductor known by the pen name Jean Gilbert, and the brother of Henry Winterfeld, a children's book author. Gilbert's upbringing was marked by financial hardship, with his family living in modest conditions until his father's success with operettas like "Polnische Wirtschaft" and "Die keusche Susanne" brought them wealth and fame.

During World War I, Gilbert served as a soldier, where he was exposed to socialist and communist ideas. After the war, he pursued studies in philosophy and art history in Berlin and Freiburg, becoming actively involved in political movements. His early work included the depression-era poem "Stempellied," set to music by Hanns Eisler, reflecting his engagement with social issues. However, he is best remembered for lighter compositions such as "Am Sonntag will mein Süsser mit mir segeln gehen" and "Das gibt's nur einmal."

Gilbert's life was characterized by a blend of artistic creativity and political activism, embodying the cultural and social dynamics of his time. He passed away on March 20, 1978, in Minusio, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy of diverse contributions to music and culture.