Composer

Died On This Date (October 11, 2008) Neal Hefti / Composed “Batman” and “Odd Couple” Themes

Neal Hefti
October 29, 1922 – October 11, 2008

Neal Hefti was a jazz musician and composer who is best remembered for writing the theme music for the Batman series and the Odd Couple movie and series.  Prior to his career as a composer, he played the trumpet in Woody Herman’s band.  He also arranged for Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich and Count Basie.  Neil Hefti passed away in his home at the age of 85.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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Neal Hefti

Died On This Date (October 6, 1985) Nelson Riddle / Respected Band Leader

Nelson Riddle
June 1, 1921 – October 6, 1985

Nelson Riddle was an orchestra bandleader who was hired by Capitol Records in 1950 to arrange for their stable of the era’s great vocalists.  While at Capitol, Riddle worked with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin and Keely Smith.   During the ’60s and ’70s, Riddle worked primarily in film and television, arranging and scoring the Batman series, and such films as Ocean’s Eleven, Robin and the Seven Hoods, and The Great Gatsby, for which he won an academy award.  During the ’80s, Riddle worked with Linda Ronstadt’s popular and critically acclaimed series of pop standard albums.  His work as arranger, earned him two Grammys.  Nelson Riddle died of liver ailments in 1985.  He was 64 years old.

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Nelson Riddle

Died On This Date (September 12, 2007) Bobby Byrd / Discovered and Performed With James Brown

Bobby Byrd
August 15, 1934 – September 12, 2007

Bobby Byrd was a young gospel and soul singer when, in 1952 while playing in a baseball game against the prisoners of a Georgia prison, he met inmate, James Brown.  Brown was reportedly singing for the other inmates.  Byrd was so impressed that he helped arrange for Brown’s parole.  Over the next 20 years, Byrd helped guide Brown’s career while singing and writing songs with him.  He was the leader of Brown’s back-up group, the Blue Flames.  Byrd released his own records in the ’70s.  His music has been sampled by the likes of Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, and LL Cool J.  Bobby Byrd died of cancer at the age of 73.



Died On This Date (September 8, 2008) Hector Zazou / French Composer, Worked With Bjork, Siouxsie Sioux

Hector Zazou
July 11, 1948 – September 8, 2008

Hector Zazou was a much respected French composer and producer who has collaborated with Bjork, Mark Isham, Siousxie Sioux, David Sylvian, Suzanne Vega, Robert Fripp, Peter Buck and many more.  He was celebrated for his ability to fuse classical influences with electronic music.  Hector Zazou, age 60, passed away after after falling ill earlier in the year.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at  Number1Albums for the assist

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In the House of Mirrors - Hector Zazou & Swara