Harold Rome was a composer-lyricist on Broadway from 1937, starting with Pins and Needles, a revue for the ILGWU. His biggest hits included Call Me Mister, Wish You Were Here, Fanny, Destry Rides Again, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale. He continued working on Broadway through 1965 with The Zulu and the Zayda. His early career featured songs of
social significance,
lyrics for the common man filled with satire. He would take on anyone. His later work featured songs well adapted to the book musicals of the day, and his words and music became more lyrical.

Rome worked with Moss Hart, George S. Kaufman, Jerome Weidman, Joshua Logan, Michael Kidd, Joe Layton, David Merrick, and Leland Hayward. He wrote songs for stars Betty Garrett, Pearl Bailey, Jack Cassidy, Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak, Florence Henderson, Dolores Gray, Kaye Ballard, and Barbra Streisand. Rome was politically involved, liberal and left wing, attracting the attention of conservative organizations and the FBI. His song writing contributed to the home front efforts for World War II, as a civilian and then as a corporal in the Army. His paintings were critically praised, and over forty years, he amassed an impressive collection of African art.