Songwriter Dies

Hugh Martin, who wrote three of Judy Garland's most enduring songs in her classic Meet Me in St. Louis, has died at 96, reports The New York Times.

Martin was a prolific composer, lyricist, arranger, and pianist, but he was undoubtedly best-known for writing (along with longtime collaborator Ralph Blane) "The Boy Next Door," the Oscar-nominated "The Trolley Song," and the wistful holiday classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." All three were sung by Garland in the 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis.

Martin collaborated with Garland again on her 1954 film A Star Is Born but left the production following a dispute over how to sing "The Man That Got Away."

Martin published an autobiography, Hugh Martin: The Boy Next Door last year. He is survived by his brother, Gordon.