Final answer:
Edgar Yipsel "Yip" Harburg was the acclaimed lyricist who penned the lyrics for "Over the Rainbow," winning an Academy Award for the song from the film The Wizard of Oz.
Step-by-step explanation:
The celebrated American composer who wrote "Over the Rainbow" is none other than Edgar Yipsel "Yip" Harburg. In partnership with composer Harold Arlen, 'Yip' Harburg crafted the lyrics for the beloved song which Judy Garland sang in the 1939 classic film, The Wizard of Oz. The song went on to achieve unprecedented success, winning an Academy Award and becoming a timeless piece of American culture. Yip's contribution to American music during the challenging times of the 1930s and 40s offered a welcome distraction and an enduring message of hope against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II.