Jack Rollins

1906-1973, Keyser, Mineral County

Along with his writing partner Steve Nelson, Jack Rollins wrote two of the most popular children’s songs of all time, “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Rollins also wrote “Smokey the Bear” for the public-service mascot Smokey Bear, and co-wrote many country songs, including the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” for Hank Snow and “A Prison Without Walls,” a Top 10 hit for Eddy Arnold.

His songs have been recorded by artists, including Fred Astaire, Martina McBride, Dinah Washington, Henry Mancini, The Carpenters, Nat King Cole, Gene Autry, Rosemary Clooney, Willie Nelson, Anne Murray, Kenny G, and ’08 WVMHoF inductee Frankie Yankovic.