Encinitas Resident and Songwriting Legend Hugh Martin Dies at 96

Famous composer Hugh Martin, who wrote “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song,” died Friday afternoon, March 11, of natural causes at his longtime home in Encinitas. He was 96.

Born Aug. 11, 1914 in Birmingham, AL, Martin began as a performer before moving on to songwriting with partner Ralph Blaine. Their 1941 Broadway hit, “Best Foot Forward,” got them attention in Hollywood and eventually led to the penning of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for the film “Meet Me in St. Louis,” starring Judy Garland.

While “The Trolley Song” was nominated for an Oscar, Garland initially refused to sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the film because of its original lyrics: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas/It may be your last.”

In one of his final interviews last December, Martin told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Judy was right. If I’d kept the lyrics the way they were, it would have been thrown out and forgotten.”

Martin came to San Diego in the mid-1970s and shortly after moved to Encinitas to live with friends Dr. Fred and Elaine Harrison. Elaine, who worked as Martin’s manager for 32 years, said she is “devastated” by his death.

“He just got to be old and struggling,” she said. Hospice services were called to the home last Tuesday.

“It really hit the family and everyone who works here,” she said.  “It’s a loss for the world, really.”

No services will be held for Martin at his request. In lieu of flowers, Elaine asked that anyone who wishes to send their support to donate to Joni and Friends International Disability Center, Martin’s favorite charity.

Song recordings and photos courtesy of the Martin family.