Kermit Goell (born c. 1915 – died 1999) was an American lyricist and songwriter primarily active during the 1940s and 1950s. He contributed lyrics to numerous popular songs of the era, many of which became hits for various artists and standards in the American popular music repertoire.
Career and Notable Works Goell began his songwriting career in the mid-1940s. He often collaborated with prominent composers and lyricists of his time. His work is characterized by its contribution to the Tin Pan Alley and pop standards sound.
Among his most notable compositions are:
- "I'll Close My Eyes" (1945): Co-written with Buddy Kaye, this song became a popular standard, recorded by artists like Dinah Shore, Al Bowlly, and later by Doris Day and Frank Sinatra.
- "Tomorrow Night" (1947): Co-written with Sam Coslow, this song gained significant popularity, becoming a hit for Lonnie Johnson and later covered by a diverse range of artists including LaVern Baker, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan.
- "The Gypsy" (1946): Credited solely to Goell, this melancholic ballad was a major success for artists such as The Ink Spots and Dinah Shore.
- "Just Say I Love Her" (1950): Goell co-wrote the English lyrics (with Jimmy Dale, Jack Val, and Ricardio D'Auri) for the Neapolitan song "Dicitencello Vuie," transforming it into an American standard.
- "Rollin' Stone" (1950): Co-written with Sam Coslow, a different song from the famous Rolling Stones track, this was notably recorded by Red Foley.
- "No Other Love" (1950): Co-written with Paul Weston and Walter Scharf, a popular song for Jo Stafford among others.
Goell's compositions have been recorded by a wide array of artists across different genres, ensuring their longevity and recognition in American music history. His songs continue to be performed and covered, reflecting their enduring appeal.