Beethoven Ben is a stage name used by Bennett A. "Ben" Ryan. He was an American songwriter who wrote the music and lyrics to the popular song (The Gang that Sang) Heart of My Heart. He also wrote or co-wrote many other popular songs including Inka Dinka Doo, M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I, No Nothing, Plus Je T'Embrasse, The Thrill of a New Romance, When Francis Dances With Me, and When I Send You a Picture of Berlin. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Ryan was also a vaudeville performer, film actor and screen writer. Following a lengthy illness, on July 5, 1968, he died at his home in Leonia, New Jersey.