Ralph Blane, born Ralph Uriah Hunsecker on July 26, 1914, was an American
composer, lyricist, and performer. He started as a radio singer for NBC in the
1930s before moving to Broadway, appearing in shows like New Faces of 1936 and
Louisiana Purchase. In 1940, Blane formed a vocal quartet with Hugh Martin,
leading to their songwriting partnership. Their notable works include "The Boy
Next Door," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Trolley Song,"
all featured in the 1944 film musical Meet Me in St. Louis. Blane was inducted
into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983,...