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American composer and lyricist, celebrated for his witty and sophisticated contributions to Broadway musicals and popular songs. Frank Loesser emerged from a musically dismissive family to become a self-taught songwriter. He initially found success writing lyrics for Hollywood films before revolutionizing Broadway with integrated musicals where songs advanced plot and character. His masterpieces 'Guys and Dolls' and 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' earned him Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Loesser also founded his own highly successful music publishing company, Frank Music Corp.

• Despite his father being a respected classical piano teacher, Loesser was largely self-taught in music and faced family disapproval for pursuing popular songwriting.
• During World War II, Loesser wrote immensely popular morale-boosting songs for the troops, including 'Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition' and the US Army Air Force musical 'Hi Yank!'.
• His song 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' (written for his wife Lynn Garland and performed at Hollywood parties) won the 1949 Academy Award for Best Original Song but has faced modern controversy over its lyrical content.
• Loesser had a notoriously intense and demanding personality, especially during rehearsals for his Broadway shows, earning both respect and frustration from collaborators.
• He died at age 59 from lung cancer, a heavy smoker throughout his life.