Philip Springer

Philip Springer (born May 12, 1926) is an American composer, best known for co-writing the classic Christmas song “Santa Baby”. In a musical career spanning over 70 years, he is credited in 540 musical pieces, including composing songs for numerous well-known singers. Life and career Early life Philip Springer was born in New York City in 1926 to Jewish parents. His mother, Sylvia, was a concert pianist and his father, Mordecai, a lawyer by profession, was a very musical person. Springer’s musical talent was clear from a young age; at six he played a Bach piano piece by ear. Springer went to grade and high school in Cedarhurst, Long Island, then a rustic small town. In 1944, he graduated from Lawrence High School, having been voted the best singer and the most musical person of his class in the yearbook. U.S. Army service Springer served as a truck driver in World War II; he was Mickey Rooney’s Musical Director in 1945 when he did a show in Regensburg, Germany. Education Springer studied composition under Otto Luening at Columbia College, his father’s alma mater, graduating in 1950. During his time at Columbia, he co-composed the music for two Varsity Shows (1948 and 1950), includi