Theodora Morse (July 11, 1883 — November 10, 1953) was an American songwriter and composer.She was aTin Pan Alley lyricist who collaborated to produce a number of popular songs.
Alfreda Theodora Strandberg was born inBrooklyn, New York. On March 7, 1907, she marriedTheodore F. Morse (1873–1924). She and her husband became a successful songwriting team forTin Pan Alley. Listed as Terriss & Morse, they were one of the earliest Tin Pan Alley husband-wife songwriting teams.[1]
Theodora not only wrote with her husband, but also collaborated with other composers. Professionally, she often used the pseudonyms of Dorothy Terriss, Dolly Morse and D. A. Esrom. She wrote the lyrics forHail, Hail, the Gang's All Here to a tune originally written byArthur Sullivan for the comic operaThe Pirates of Penzance. The popular good-night waltzThree O'Clock in the Morning was written to music composed byJulián Robledo. The song was recorded in 1922 byPaul Whiteman and his orchestra, and also appeared in the 1946 filmMargie. Jazz and pop standard,Wonderful One, was written by Paul Whiteman andFerde Grofé, with lyrics by Theodora Morse based on a theme by movie directorMarshall Neilan.[2][3][4][5][6]
Theodora Morse died inWhite Plains, New York, aged 70.[7]
