Otto Harbach

Librettist and lyricist, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He studied at Knox College, then taught English and worked as a journalist and advertising copywriter. He made his Broadway debut as lyricist for Three Twins (1908) and went on during the next decade to write musicals with composers such as Karl Hoschns and Rudolf Friml. After 1920 some of his best work was in collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II, composing libretti and lyrics for such shows as Rose Marie (1924). He also contributed to No, No, Nanette (1925). Among his most popular songs are ‘Indian Love Call’ (1924) and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ (1932).

Otto Abels Harbach, born Otto Abels Hauerbach (August 18, 1873 - January 24, 1963) was an American lyricist and librettist of about 50 musical comedies.

He collaborated as lyricist or librettist with Karl Hoschna, Rudolf Friml, Oscar Hammerstein II, Jerome Kern, Louis Hirsch, Herbert Stothart, Vincent Youmans, George Gershwin and Sigmund Romberg.

He was lyricist for many songs now in the standard repertoire, including "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "Indian Love Call," "Cuddle Up a Little Closer," "One Alone," "The Night Was Made For Love," and "I Won't Dance."

Harbach, an inductee of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, died in New York City.

His work includes:

Early Work 1907 Three Twins (music Karl Hoschna) 1909 Bright Eyes (music Karl Hoschna) 1912 The Firefly (music Rudolf Friml) 1913 High Jinks 1918 Going Up Jerome Kern and Harbach 1925 Sunny, a Marilyn Miller vehicle 1931 The Cat and The Fiddle 1933 Roberta Oscar Hammerstein II and Harbach 1924 Rose-Marie by Rudolf Friml 1926 The Desert Song by Sigmund Romberg 1927 Golden Dawn, music by Emmerich Kalman and Herbert P.