Willard Robison, born in Shelbina, Missouri in 1894, composed well over 100 songs primarily from the 1920s through the 1930s, blending popular song forms with influences from spirituals and rural Americana. His most celebrated composition, "Old Folks" (1938, with lyricist Dedette Lee Hill), became a jazz standard recorded by many artists. His "A Cottage for Sale" (1929, with Larry Conley) achieved million-seller status for Billy Eckstine in 1945 and remains widely performed. Working as composer, lyricist, pianist, and arranger, Robison's songs were championed by performers such as Jack Teagarden and Paul Whiteman. His nostalgic, introspective style influenced admirers including Johnny Mercer. He died in 1968 in Peekskill, New York.
