Karl Hajos, born Hajós Károly on January 28, 1889, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary, was a Hungarian composer renowned for his work on film scores. Educated at the University of Budapest and the Academy of Music in Budapest, Hajos initially wrote operettas in Europe and the United States, including titles such as "The Black Pierrot" and "The Red Cat." In 1924, he emigrated to the United States, where he transitioned to composing for Hollywood films.

Hajos began his film career in the late silent era and contributed to over 100 films, collaborating with various directors and studios. Notable works include his contribution to the 1931 Western "Fighting Caravans" and Cecil B. DeMille's 1934 thriller "Four Frightened People." He was nominated for two Academy Awards in the Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture category for "Summer Storm" (1944) and "The Man Who Walked Alone" (1945).

Additionally, Hajos was a member of ASCAP from 1929 and composed popular songs such as "Falling Leaves" and "Beautiful Dawn." He was married to Elsa Rothschild from 1916 until his death, and they had one child. Karl Hajos passed away on February 1, 1950, in Los Angeles, United States, and is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.