Hans Leip(1893-1983)
- Writer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Versatile writer Hans Leip was born on September 22, 1893 in Hamburg,
Germany. Hans grew up around the sea shore in Hamburg; his father
worked on the docks and traveled all over the sea during his holidays.
From 1914 to 1918 Leip served as a German soldier in the War of the
Guards. During his tour of duty in World War I Hans was inspired to
write the lovely and touching poem "Lili Marleen" in 1915. The title of
this poem was reportedly the combined first names of Leip's girlfriend
and another female friend. Composer Norbert Schultze created a melody
for "Lili Marleen" in 1938; the resultant song became a favorite tune
amongst German soldiers fighting in World War II. Among the notable
artists who have covered "Lili Marleen" are Lale Andersen, Marlene
Dietrich, Hank Snow, and Vaughn Monroe. Hans worked for a brief spell
as a teacher, but was primarily active as a journalist both as a
humorous writer and draftsman for the weekly publication
"Simplicissimus." Moreover, Leip also wrote poetry and plays and
illustrated many of his own books that include unpretentious novels
about sea and harbor life which were full of adventure and vitality. He
was an opponent of the Nationalist Socialist regime in Germany. An
autobiography on Hans' life was published in 1979. Leip died at age 89
on June 6, 1983 in Fruthwilen, Turgau, Switzerland.
