Herman Hupfeld Herman Hupfeld (February 1, 1894 - June 8, 1951) was an American songwriter most notable for composing "As Time Goes By" made famous by the film "Casablanca". The song has now assumed a central place in the popular jazz repertoire, being recorded by many of the 20th century's great singers, from Peggy Lee to Bryan Ferry. As a young boy Hupfeld studied violin in Germany. Hupfeld fought in the military during the first world war.