Robert A. King (composer)


Robert A. King was a prolific early twentieth century American composer, who wrote under pseudonyms including Mary Earl, Robert A. Keiser, and Betty Chapin.

Career

Some authors believe that King wrote the song "The Fountain in the Park", credited to vaudevillian Ed Haley.
In January 1903, King managed the Teachers' Department for Leo Feist Inc., one of Tin Pan Alley's music publishers.
His first hit was "Anona".’ He collaborated musically with Ballard Macdonald, Billy Moll, Ted Fiorito, Howard Johnson, Gus Kahn, and Charley Straight.
In 1918, King as Mary Earl composed "Beautiful Ohio" with lyrics by Ballard Macdonald. A chart topper during the year of its release, it sold more than five million copies for publisher Shapiro, Bernstein, & Company.

Selected works