Howard Hoagland  Hoagy  Carmichael (November 22, 1899 – December 27, 1981) was an American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader.e was named Hoagland after a circus troupe The Hoaglands who stayed at the Carmichael house during his mother's pregnancy. Howard was a horse-drawn taxi driver and electrician, and Lida a versatile pianist who played accompaniment at silent movies and for parties.