Merrill, Bob
(1921–1998)> LYRICIST
Bob Merrill Lyricist H. Robert Merrill Levan, Atlantic City, New Jersey, May 17, 1921; Los Angeles, California, February 17, 1998. Merrill served in World War II, and then settled in Hollywood, working as a dialogue coach and bit-part actor. Invited by singer/comedienne Dorothy Shay to write some songs for an upcoming recording session, Merrill began to supply lyrics for popular songs. His first major hit was “If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake,” written in 1950 with music by Al…