Hans Leip

Who they were

Hans Leip, German author, poet, and playwright who wrote the lyrics of Lili Marleen (born 1893)

Early life

Leip was born in 1893 in Hamburg, Germany. He grew up in a literary environment that shaped his career as a writer and poet.

Path and career

Leip wrote the poem that became the lyrics to 'Lili Marleen' in 1915 while serving as a soldier during World War I. The song was later set to music by Norbert Schultze in 1938 and became an international hit, performed by Marlene Dietrich and many others.

Beyond 'Lili Marleen,' Leip had a prolific career as an author and playwright, publishing numerous works throughout the 20th century. His literary contributions extended across poetry, drama, and prose fiction.

Why this date

Hans Leip appears on our June 6 calendar for 1983 as a death entry.