Jay Gorney, born Abraham Jacob Gornetzsky on December 12, 1896, in Białystok, Russia (now part of Poland), was an influential American theater and film songwriter. His family, who were Jewish, fled to the United States in 1906 following the Bialystok pogrom. They settled in Detroit, Michigan, where Gorney's father worked as an engineer for Ford Motor Company. Gorney began his musical career early, working as a pianist at a local nickelodeon at the age of 14.

He attended the University of Michigan, earning degrees in both undergraduate studies and law, although his education was briefly interrupted by his service in the Navy during World War I. After practicing law for a short time, Gorney moved to New York City with his wife and began a career in songwriting on Tin Pan Alley. He contributed to numerous musicals produced by the Shubert brothers and collaborated frequently with lyricist Yip Harburg. Their most famous work, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime," became an anthem of the Great Depression.

Gorney's career in Hollywood included a stint as head of the music department at Paramount Studios in Astoria, New York, and later work under contract with 20th Century-Fox. He is credited with discovering Shirley Temple, arranging for her to audition for the film "Stand Up and Cheer!" His song "Baby Take a Bow," featured in the film, became a significant hit.

Throughout his career, Gorney composed music for various Broadway productions and films. He later joined the faculty of the American Theatre Wing and produced, directed, and wrote television programs. Gorney's contributions to music earned him a Tony Award and a citation from the Yale Drama School. He passed away on June 14, 1990, in New York City due to Parkinson's disease. His legacy includes a rich collection of songs and collaborations that have left a lasting impact on American music.