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American songwriter and composer active during the Tin Pan Alley era, best known for writing the enduring standard 'As Time Goes By'.Herman Hupfeld was born in Montclair, New Jersey. He began his songwriting career in the 1910s, contributing to Broadway revues and popular music. He served in the US Army during World War I. Returning to music, he achieved significant success writing for Broadway shows and Tin Pan Alley publishers throughout the 1920s and 1930s. His most famous composition, 'As Time Goes By', was written in 1931 for the musical 'Everybody's Welcome'. While initially moderately successful, the song achieved legendary status when featured prominently in the classic 1942 film 'Casablanca'. Hupfeld continued writing until his death in 1951, leaving behind a catalogue of over 300 songs.

• Hupfeld served as a bandleader in the US Army's 33rd Division Band during World War I, entertaining troops in France.
• His most famous song, 'As Time Goes By', was nearly cut from the film 'Casablanca' because producer Hal Wallis thought its sentiment was outdated. However, because actress Ingrid Bergman had already cut her hair for her next role and reshooting was impossible, the song remained, becoming one of the most iconic in cinema history.
• Despite the massive success of 'As Time Goes By' after 'Casablanca', Hupfeld reportedly received only the standard royalty rate for its use in the film, not foreseeing its future cultural impact.