After attending Northwestern University and studying music in New York City, Ralph Uriah Hunsecker changed his name to Ralph Blane because he hoped it would fit better on a theater marquee. And working with lyricist Harry Warren, Blane did achieve a measure of success on Broadway. But he achieved greater renown as a composer of movie musicals, especially Vincent Minnelli's Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) starring Judy Garland. Among the best-known songs from that film was the title song "The Trolley Song" (which was nominated for an Academy Award) and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which became one of the most loved holiday songs of the postwar period. With its nostalgic and sentimental lyrics, its memorable arppegiated melody, and its simple tonic major/submediant minor/supertonic minor/dominant chord progression, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" fit the spirit of the times and the season, and it remains one of the most popular holiday songs of the past half century. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
