Meredith Willson, creator-composer of "The Music Man," embodied the spirit of "River City" as a tribute to Mason City. Born on May 18, 1902, and dying on June 15, 1984, he made music and grew to manhood on this very ground, then left his small-town home for the big city, where he achieved fame and fortune without forgetting his roots and friends. Sharing with the world his deep love and talent for music, he invited all into his friendship through his masterpiece, and his generous heart remained his legacy.