Harold Orlob photograph collection, 1900-1980

Harold “Harry” Orlob (1883-1982) was born on June 3, 1883 in Logan, Utah. Orlob was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Orlob was a composer and lyricist. In 1909, he composed “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now,” with lyrics by Will M. Hough and Frank R. Adams. The song became a hit as performed by Joseph E. Howard, who also claimed that he had created it; this claim was not fully dispelled until 1947, when Orlob sued Howard. Winning the lawsuit, Orlob did not demand royalties; instead, he received credit as composer of the song.

Beginning in the 1910s, Orlob worked as a composer for Broadway, contributing to numerous works. Among his shows, the most successful was Listen Lester, which ran for 272 performances from 1918 to 1919. In addition to his work as a composer, Orlob produced the 1939 film …One Third of a Nation… and the 1943 musical Hairpin Harmony, which closed after only three shows. Throughout his career in New York City, Orlob remained close with his family in Utah, visiting frequently. Harold Orlob died on June 15, 1982 in Salt Lake City, Utah.