Willson, Meredith (1902–1984)

US composer and lyricist. He composed film scores (including Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator) and both words and music for popular songs. His biggest hit was ‘May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You’ (1950). This was followed by the successful musical The Music Man (1957). His other successful musical was The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1960).

Born in Mason City, Iowa, he studied in New York, New York, for a career in serious music and after touring with the John Philip Sousa band (1921–23), he became the principal flutist of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra (1924–29). In the 1930s and 1940s he was music director of several radio programs including The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. He also composed some concert music.