Ted Shapiro was a composer and pianist active from the 1920s through the 1940s, best known for writing songs tailored to the performers he accompanied. His longest professional relationship was with Sophie Tucker, for whom he served as accompanist, music director, and songwriter from 1921 until her death in 1966. His most enduring composition is "If I Had You," written in 1928 with British songwriters Reginald Connelly and James Campbell. The song became a widely recorded standard, covered by artists from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to contemporary performers, and featured in film soundtracks well into the twenty-first century. Shapiro's other notable songs include "Handful of Stars" with lyricist Jack Lawrence, the holiday tune "Winter Weather," and "To You" with Benny Davis. A member of ASCAP from 1924, his catalog reflects the world of vaudeville, radio, and early recording, with songs crafted for specific performers and occasions.
