Ferde Grofé, born Ferdinand Rudolph von Grofé on March 27, 1892, in New York City, was an influential American composer, arranger, pianist, and instrumentalist. Coming from a musical family, his father was a baritone and actor, while his mother was a professional cellist and music teacher. After his father's death, Grofé moved to Los Angeles with his mother and was raised by his maternal grandparents. He began his musical career early, playing piano in dance halls and theaters, and eventually joined the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra as a violist.

Grofé's career took a significant turn when he joined Paul Whiteman's Orchestra in 1920 as a pianist, arranger, and orchestrator. His most notable contribution during this period was the orchestration of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" for its 1924 premiere, a groundbreaking work that blended jazz and classical music, establishing a new American musical identity.

Beyond his work with Gershwin, Grofé composed several orchestral suites inspired by American landscapes, such as the "Mississippi Suite" (1925) and the "Grand Canyon Suite" (1931), the latter being his most famous composition. These works captured the essence of American landscapes and contributed significantly to his reputation.

Throughout his career, Grofé continued to innovate, composing for radio, film, and television, and teaching at the Juilliard School of Music. His later works include the "Death Valley Suite" (1949) and the "Niagara Falls Suite" (1961). He passed away on April 3, 1972, in Santa Monica, California, leaving a legacy that continues to influence American orchestral music. His contributions, particularly his orchestration of "Rhapsody in Blue," remain significant in American musical history.