Born Alfred Breitenbach in Cologne, Germany, Fred Fisher immigrated to the United States in 1900 and established the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company in 1907. He later anglicized his surname to Fisher, particularly during World War I. Fisher became a prolific songwriter and publisher, with a career spanning several decades and numerous popular songs. His children also pursued careers in music. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and was noted for writing a large number of Irish-themed songs. Fisher died by suicide in New York City.

Fisher's career was marked by collaborations with many prominent figures in the music industry. His compositions, often characterized by catchy melodies and popular themes of the era, found success in various forms, including sheet music, recordings, and film. A notable example of his influence is the film 'Oh, You Beautiful Doll,' which fictionalized his transition from composer Fred Breitenbach to songwriter Fred Fisher. His work contributed significantly to the landscape of American popular music during the early to mid-20th century.

Alfred Breitenbach was born in Cologne, Germany, on September 30, 1875. After visiting the United States in 1892, he decided to immigrate permanently in 1900, adopting the name Fred Fischer. He quickly immersed himself in the burgeoning music industry of Tin Pan Alley, founding his own publishing company, Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company, in 1907. This marked the beginning of a successful career as both a songwriter and a music entrepreneur. During the First World War, he altered his surname to Fisher, a move likely intended to mitigate any anti-German sentiment prevalent at the time.

Fred Fisher became a highly productive figure in American popular music. His company, later known as McCarthy & Fisher, published many of his own compositions as well as those of other artists. Fisher is credited with writing or co-writing numerous hit songs, including "If the Man in the Moon Were a Coon," "Come Josephine In My Flying Machine," and "Peg O' My Heart." His collaborations extended to other notable songwriters of the era, such as Alfred Bryan and Joseph McCarthy. The success of his musical endeavors led to his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, recognizing his substantial contributions to the field.

Fred Fisher married Ana Fisher (née Davidovitch) in 1914, and they had three children: Marvin, Doris, and Daniel. All of his children followed in his footsteps, becoming professional songwriters themselves, continuing the family's musical legacy. Doris Fisher, in particular, co-wrote the song "Whispering Grass" with her father. Fisher's own life ended tragically when he died by suicide in Manhattan, New York, on January 14, 1942. Despite this, his work endured, with his songs being featured in films and covered by various artists, cementing his place in the history of American popular music.