Karl Suessdorf is best known as the composer of the jazz standard “Moonlight in Vermont” with lyrics written by Johnny Blackburn. The song was introduced by Margaret Whiting in 1944 and was such a hit that it became her signature song. He also collaborated with lyricists Leah Worth and Lloyd Sloan on the song “Did Anyone Ever Tell You, Mrs. Murphy” which was recorded by Perry Como in 1949.

Suessdorf and Worth also collaborated on the lyrics for Benny Carter’s “Key Largo” which is said to have been inspired by the 1948 John Huston film (Key Largo). It was sung most notably by Sarah Vaughan but has been recorded by jazz artists such as Marian McPartland, Ira Sullivan, Ella Fitzgerald, Chris Connor, Carmen Lundy and others, including composer Carter.

We wish to thank John Blackburn’s son Jack and stepson Johnny Wareham for help in compiling this biography.

- Sandra Burlingame