Charles Adams Zimmermann was an influential American composer born in 1861 in Newport, Rhode Island. He is best known for his composition "Anchors Aweigh," which became the unofficial theme song of the United States Navy. Zimmermann graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and was appointed bandmaster at the United States Naval Academy in 1887 at the young age of 26. He held this position until his death in 1916 from a brain hemorrhage.

Zimmermann's tenure at the Naval Academy was marked by his tradition of composing a march for each graduating class, a practice that earned him great affection and respect from the midshipmen, who fondly referred to him as "Zimmy." In 1906, he collaborated with Midshipman First Class Alfred Hart Miles to create "Anchors Aweigh" as a spirited tune for football games, which was first performed at the 1906 Army-Navy football game.

In addition to "Anchors Aweigh," Zimmermann composed numerous songs for the 1902 stage play "The Wizard of Oz." His contributions to military music and his role as an organist at the Naval Academy Chapel further solidified his legacy. Zimmermann passed away on January 16, 1916, in Annapolis, Maryland, and is buried at the Naval Academy cemetery. He was married to Ida Sullivan until his death.