Ruth Olive Roberts (August 31, 1926 – June 30, 2011) was an American composer, organist and pianist who wrote the music for the New York Mets theme song and other popular hits.[1]
Roberts was born inPort Chester, New York, to Robert and Lillian Mulwitz. She was educated atPort Chester High School,Northwestern University, theJuilliard School, and in Europe. Her teachers includedHeinrich Gebhard, Dr. John Hermann Loud,Tobias Matthay, and Dr. Irving J. Morgan.[2]
Roberts had a long professional collaboration with lyricist Bill Katz. Their most notable collaboration was the 1961fight song "Meet the Mets", the official theme song of theNew York Mets ofMajor League Baseball. Some of Roberts' other songs included "The First Thing Ev'ry Morning (And the Last Thing Ev'ry Night)" (co-written with and recorded byJimmy Dean) and "Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues". The latter song was first recorded byBuddy Holly on his1958 self-titled album. It was later recorded byThe Beatles in 1969 for their albumLet It Be, but their version was not released until 1996.[1]
Roberts was married toGene Piller, aHollywood screenwriter. She was the mother ofMichael Piller, screenwriter/producer best known for threeStar Trek series andDead Zone. She died inRye Brook,New York.
