Karl Suessdorf

Who was Karl Suessdorf?

Karl Suessdorf was an American composer, best known for his collaboration with lyricist John Blackburn in composing the jazz standard, "Moonlight in Vermont", which was first recorded in 1943 by Billy Butterfield's Orchestra featuring Margaret Whiting. He also wrote "I Wish I Knew" and "Susquehanna" with Blackburn.

Suessdorf co-wrote "Christmas Madonna" and "Coral Sea" with lyrics by Nick Cea; "Key Largo" and "She Doesn't Laugh Like You" with Benny Carter and Leah Worth; and a 1949 hit for Perry Como, "Did Anyone Ever Tell You, Mrs. Murphy?", with lyrics by Leah Worth and Lloyd Sloan.

Apart from the many other performers who have recorded Suessdorf's compositions, including Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan's compilation album Music of the Stars, Volume 2: Songs Recorded by Sarah Vaughan included both "Key Largo" and "Moonlight in Vermont".

Suessdorf died in Riverside, California in 1982.