Born in Warsaw, Poland, Russian Empire [now Poland]. A graduate of the Warsaw Conservatory, he wrote concert music and scored early German sound films, usually in collaboration with Austrian composer Walter Jurman. After Hitler came to power, Kaper emigrated to the US via France and began contributing songs for Hollywood films in the mid-30s, often in collaboration with lyricist Gus Kahn. He later signed a long-term contract with MGM and composed scores for many of the studio's major films. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a listing of Kaper's extensive film and television credits.

Nominated for Music Scoring Awards (Scoring of a Musical Picture) 1941: THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (w. Herbert Stothart)  Music Scoring Awards (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) 1953: LILI  Nominated for Music Scoring Awards (Music Score substantially original) 1962: MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY  Nominated for Music Best Song 1962: MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY "Love Song from Mutiny on the Bounty (Follow Me)" - Music 4 nominations, 1 Award