Henri (Heinrich) Herz was born in Vienna where he studied music with his father and then with Daniel Huenten. Herz continued his musical studies at the Music Conservatory of Paris, France. He was an elegant virtuoso musician, and was very popular in France as composer and pianist. Herz composed more than 200 piano pieces. He taught at the Conservatory of Paris from 1842 to 1874. Herz also owned a piano factory, and received the First Prize at the Paris Exposition of 1855 for his pianos.
Herz traveled worldwide, including three tours of the USA. He also traveled to Mexico and during his sojourn in that country he composed the national anthem of Mexico. Although his compositions were very popular, other composers, like Robert Schumann for instance, did not apreciate his music. In his book My Travels in America Herz described his experiences during his visits to the USA. Herz was awarded eith the French Legion of Honour.