Bob Merrill (May 17, 1921 - February 17, 1998) was an American songwriter, theatrical composer, lyricist and screenwriter. He was the second most successful songwriter of the 1950s on the UK Singles Chart, with hits such as “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Honeycomb.” Longing to write more profound songs, he turned to musical theatre. By the late fifties, Merrill had written music and/or lyrics for Broadway's New Girl in Town, Take Me Along, Carnival, Henry, Sweet Henry and Funny Girl. Hit songs such as “People” and “Don't Rain on my Parade” were made famous by international artist Barbra Streisand.