Draft:Joan Javits Zeeman

Joan Javits Zeeman (born August 17, 1928) is an American songwriter and author. She co-wrote the Christmas classic Santa Baby with Philip Springer and wrote the lyrics for the 1961 children’s musical Young Abe Lincoln.

Early life and education
Zeeman was born on August 17, 1928, in New York City to Benjamin Abraham and Lily (Braxton) Javits. She is the niece of Senator Jacob Javits. She pursued her higher education at Vassar College, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1949. She furthered her studies with a Master of Education from the University of Vermont in 1976.

Career
Javits began her career as a public relations executive for Benjamin Sonnenberg in New York City from 1949 to 1951. She then transitioned into freelance writing in 1952 and became involved in music and theater.

The collaboration between Joan Javits and Philip Springer led to the creation of the 1953 Christmas song Santa Baby, written for Eartha Kitt, a Broadway star and singer. "Santa Baby" has since been covered by a large number of major recording artists, including Cher, Madonna, Michael Buble, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Gwen Stefani, Kellie Pickler, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams (2019), R.E.M, and in 2016, by Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood (featured on their Christmas duets album). In 2018 Rob LeDonne from Billboard called "Santa Baby" one of the "most recognizable non-traditional yuletide recordings" in a piece commemorating its 65th anniversary.

The duo also wrote Kitt's 1954 single "Lovin' Spree". In that same year they signed a contract Joy Music.

Javits wrote the lyrics for the 1961 Broadway children’s musical Young Abe Lincoln. Milton Esterow of The New York Times described the songs as "delightful".

With Lois Wyse, Javits co-authored the 1966 book The Complete Child about etiquette and manners for children.

In 2001, Javits and Springer collaborated on the song "Flight 93." Springer, then living in New York, wrote the melody just after the September 11 attacks, and asked Javits to write the lyrics. They planned to donate any proceeds from the song to the memorial fund for the families of victims of United Airlines Flight 93.

Personal life
Joan Javits married John Huibert Zeeman III on March 20, 1954 with whom she has five children. She was as a trustee for the Professional Children's School in New York City and was a board member for the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation.