Ivan Ulz (May 4, 1944 - October 5, 2017) was born in Los Angeles, California, where he spent his early years in a nursery school environment. At the age of 19, he left home to embark on a career in songwriting, beginning his journey in North Beach, San Francisco. In 1980, he relocated to New York City, where he reconnected with his musical roots by teaching music in local preschools. After returning to California, Ulz continued to perform for families, fostering a unique musical bond with children both in person and through radio.

Ulz's songwriting career took off in 1962 with the release of his first song, "A Letter to Hayley," a 45 rpm single issued by Bruce Belland's LarBell label. Over the following decades, he navigated the folk-rock scene while living in various locations, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Although he did not achieve enduring fame as a folk singer-songwriter, Ulz made several notable connections in the music industry. He is credited with introducing Lowell George to Rickie Lee Jones by singing "Easy Money" over the phone, an act that contributed to Jones's eventual recording contract with Warner Brothers. He also provided a platform for a young comic named Steve Martin during an open mic night at Coffee and Confusion in San Francisco. During his time in the city, Ulz befriended Michael Clarke, a bongo player he encountered on the streets of North Beach, and introduced him to friends from Los Angeles, who later formed The Byrds. Additionally, he collaborated with Byrds member Gene Clark, co-writing several songs in 1964, although none were recorded.

In 1970, Ulz released his only album of original songs for adults, "Ivan the Ice Cream Man," on Stanyan Records, a label founded by poet Rod McKuen. The album featured contributions from musicians who would later enjoy successful careers themselves, including Jackson Browne, Lowell George, Roy Estrada, Jimmy "Guitar" Smith, and Dick Rosmini. Although not a performer on the album, legendary blues guitarist Steve Mann co-wrote two tracks: "Beginning to Find My Way" and "Circles Under Squares."

Moving to New York City in 1980, Ulz shifted his focus from folk rock to children's music. During his time in Arroyo Grande, California, from 1997 to 1999, he recorded an album of children's music and hosted a children's radio show titled "Treasure Ivan." Today, Ulz divides his time between Greenwich Village and California's Central Coast, entertaining toddlers and their families.

To date, Ulz has written approximately 200 songs, with some recorded by artists such as Hoyt Axton, Glen Yarborough, Suzy Bogguss, Valerie Carter, and Rod McKuen. He has co-written songs with notable figures including Hoyt Axton, Lowell George, and Steve Mann. His most recognized work is "Heartache," co-written with Lowell George and recorded by Suzy Bogguss in the 1990s, which achieved significant success on the country music charts. Most recently, Ulz's song "Fire Truck!" was published as a Sing-And-Read book by Scholastic. Written in 1990 on a red IBM Selectric typewriter, it has become an underground anthem among preschoolers nationwide.

Ulz, a BMI writer, performer, and recording artist, has released the following recordings:

- "A Letter to Hayley," 45 rpm Single, LarBell, 1962 - "Ivan the Ice Cream Man," LP album, Stanyan, 1970 - "Songs From the Old School," CD & cassette, Ivan Ulz Songs, 1999

His first song, "A Letter to Hayley," was dedicated to the young English actress Hayley Mills, known for her roles in "Tiger Bay," "Whistle Down the Wind," and various Disney films during the 1960s. In 2004, Ulz was finally introduced to Mills.