Talented in-house arranger for Bennett and White company, who produced 88-note rolls on the Artempo label, and later on reproducing rolls for Welte as the head of their popular music department. Following the piano roll industry's decline, he went to work for Vitaphone in California, producing sound effects for films.

Howard Harry Lutter was the son of a German immigrant, and studied piano with Rafael Joseffy, the Hungarian pianist and composer. He married twice and had two children from his first marriage. His great grand-daughter is aware of his music roll-related activities and owns many of his rolls.

Lutter stated on his WWI military draft card that he 'objected to all forms of war and fighting' and applied for exemption on the grounds he was indispensable to his employers, Bennett & White, as chief recording artist for Artempo. He also noted he was of medium height and build, had light brown hair and blue eyes.

Following the devastating fire that ended Bennett & White's roll-manufacturing enterprise, Lutter briefly joined Aeolian in the arranging department of their Melodee subdivision. The September 25, 1921 Music Trades Review states "..well-known as an arranger of music rolls...he has assumed an important place in the arranging department of that company". He did not stay for long, however, as by July 1921, Lutter had joined the staff of the Republic Player Roll Company, and when they switched their entire focus to producing reproducing rolls for the Welte Licensee, he became the principle of the recording department.

Lutter's WW2 draft card indicates he is now working for the Newark Board of Education.

Used many pseudonyms, in particular 'Stuart Gregory'. His rolls are highly regarded by collectors for their musical value. Although his main output was with Artempo and then Welte, occasional Republic and Atlas brand rolls crediting Lutter as the artist have appeared (Atlas #2009, 'Samson & Delilah Selections' and Republic #76818, 'Mississippi Cradle' [1921] being two examples). Artempo masters were also supplied to Australian roll company Mastertouch under license, some remaining in the catalogue until Mastertouch ceased operations in 2005.