Snell attended Wisconsin College and the Meyer Conservatory of Music. After graduating, he worked as a musical director for the theatre, as well as leading a studio orchestra. He composed a number of songs, which included "Under the Stars", "Out of the Deep" and "Where Were You". Snell became a member of ASCAP in 1946. During his tenure at MGM, he composed music for many serialized B-movies, ranging from the 'Dr. Kildare' series to 'Maisie' and the 'Thin Man'. He retired in the mid-1950's.