Walter Donaldson (February 15, 1893 – July 15, 1947) was a prolific American popular songwriter and publishing company founder, composing many hit songs of the 1910s to 1940s, that have become standards and form part of the Great American Songbook.
History
Walter Donaldson was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a piano teacher.
After serving in the United States Army in World War I, Donaldson was hired as a songwriter by Irving Berlin Music Company. He stayed with Berlin until 1928, producing many hit songs, then in 1928 established his own publishing company. Although Walter Donaldson's company was officially known as "Donaldson, Douglas & Gumble, Inc.", it was printed in fine print alongside Walter Donaldson's name in every publication.
Donaldson frequently worked with lyricist Gus Kahn, after first working together in 1915.
At the end of the 1920s, Donaldson moved to Hollywood, California, and worked composing and arranging music for motion pictures.