Walter F. Michels was an American songwriter born on April 17, 1895, in Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for co-writing the 1920s hit "San," an Oriental Fox Trot, with Lindsay McPhail in 1920. The song gained popularity and was featured in notable productions such as the "Ziegfeld Follies" and the "George White Scandals." Michels spent his entire life in Chicago, where he passed away on April 15, 1970, just two days shy of his 75th birthday. He was laid to rest at Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Evergreen Park, Cook County, Illinois. Walter was the son of Marie Indermuehler and Nicholas Michels, and he was married to Loretta O'Connell Michels. Together, they had three children: Walt Jr., Norman "Hots" Michels, and Mariruth Heimoski. Walter Michels is remembered for his contributions to American music, particularly in the jazz and popular music scenes of the early 20th century.