Mack Davis

American composer and lyricist (born December 7, 1898 in New York City – died March 27, 1947 in New York City).

Educated at DeWitt Clinton High School, then in Manhattan, Davis worked as an orchestra leader, songwriter, and talent agency executive. In the 1920s, he led his own orchestra; it played the Paradise Dance Palace and performed on WSB radio. In 1937, he was appointed head of Columbia Artists, Inc.; by 1942, he worked for Music Corporation of America (MCA) in New York City.

As a songwriter, Davis frequently collaborated with Sam H. Stept, Mack David, [a=Don George] and Walter Kent.

His first hit, "There's Honey on the Moon Tonight" (1938, with J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie) was recorded by Fats Waller, [a=Fred Osborne], and Gene Krupa. In 1939, Davis joined the composer association ASCAP. That same year, he wrote his greatest hit, "Moon Love", an adaptation of the 2nd Movement of Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, together with Mack David and André Kostelanetz. This song was recorded by [a=Glenn MIller], Paul Whiteman, [a=Arthur Young (2)], Horace Heidt, Al Donahue, Vaughn Monroe, Tommy Dorsey, and many others.

Another song, "I Never Mention Your Name (Oh No)" (1940, with [a=Don George] and Walter Kent) was recorded by Jack Leonard but didn't become a hit until Leonard's version was reissued in 1943. At that point, it was also picked up by Dick Haymes. Other popular songs Mack Davis wrote include "Comin’ Around The Corner" (1945, with [a=Robert Wilson (3)]) and "Serenade To Love" (1947, with Sam H. Stept)