Ray Evans

Ray Evans, born Raymond Bernard Evans on February 4, 1915, in Salamanca, New York, was an American lyricist best known for his longtime songwriting partnership with Jay Livingston. Together, they composed numerous hit songs for Hollywood and Broadway, leaving a lasting mark on mid-20th-century American music.

Evans met Livingston while both were students at the University of Pennsylvania. The duo moved to Hollywood in the 1940s and quickly found success writing songs for films. Their first major hit, “G’Bye Now,” launched a prolific career that produced classics like “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” “Mona Lisa,” and “Silver Bells.”

While primarily known for his film work, Evans also contributed to musical theatre. He and Livingston wrote the score for the Broadway musical Oh, Captain! (1958), based on the film The Captain’s Paradise. Though the show had a brief run, it earned a Tony nomination and featured several memorable tunes.

Evans and Livingston won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song and were nominated for many others. Their songs were performed by legendary artists including Doris Day, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby. Evans was known for his ability to write simple yet emotionally resonant lyrics that connected with a wide audience.

Ray Evans died on February 15, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. His lyrical legacy continues to charm listeners, and his contributions to both the silver screen and musical stage have secured his place in American songwriting history.