but the songs live on forever

Julie Andrews

Composer Musician

Died On This Date (June 23, 2010) Allyn Ferguson / Wrote Several TV Theme Songs

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Allyn Ferguson
October 18, 1924 – June 23, 2010

Photo by Bob Chamberlin

Allyn Ferguson was an American pianist and composer, best remembered for his iconic ’70s TV theme songs.  Mostly collaborating with Jack Elliott, Ferguson created the theme songs for such popular shows as Barney Miller and Charlie’s Angels as well as episode music for Starsky and Hutch, The Rookies, S.W.A.T., and many more.  In 1985, he won an Emmy for his contributions to the TV film, Camille.  Over the course of his career, Ferguson also served as musical director for  Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Julie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, as well as for the American Music Awards, The Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award broadcasts.   Allyn Ferguson was 85 when he passed away on June 23, 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.


Arranger Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (May 15, 2008) Bob Florence / Grammy Winning Jazz Composer

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Bob Florence
May 30, 1932 – May 15, 2008

Bob Florence was an award winning pianist and arranger whose interest in the piano started when he began taking lessons at the age of five.  He also led his own Los Angeles-based big band, Limited Edition, for some 50 years.  Throughout his career, he received sixteen nominations, winning one for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance in 2000.  He also won two Emmys for his work as Music Director on Julie Andrews In Concert and Linda Lavin’s Linda In Wonderland.   Florence passed away in his home just days before his 76th birthday.

Easy Listening Singer

Died On This Date (February 17, 2010) Kathryn Grayson / Star Of ’40s & ’50s Musicals

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Kathryn Grayson (Born Zelma Hedrick)
February 9, 1922 – February 17, 2010

Kathryn Grayson was an MGM contract performer who starred in several of their musical films during their golden age of the ’40s and ’50s.  Due to her beautiful soprano, she was a featured singer in such films as Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate, and Anchors Aweigh.  Grayson also performed in several operas such as La Boheme and Madama Butterfly.   She also played Queen Guenevere in the 1962 Broadway version of Camelot, replacing Julie Andrews and then going on the successful U.S. tour of the production.  Kathryn Grayson was 88 when she died of natural causes on February 17, 2010.



Easy Listening Pop Singer

Died On This Date (October 30, 2007) Robert Goulet / Iconic American Entertainer

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Robert Goulet
November 26, 1933 – October 30, 2007

Robert Goulet was a popular American singer and actor who skyrocketed to fame when he was cast as a virtual unknown in the role of Sir Lancelot in the 1960 Broadway production of Camelot.  He more than held his own opposite Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, earning himself a Tony as well as Grammy for Best New Artist in 1962.  His recording of the show’s “If Ever I Would Leave You” was a hit and subsequently became his signature song.  Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Goulet continued to work in the theatre and was also a familiar face in film and on television.  Though less visible in later years, he still occasionally made guest appearances on TV up until the final years of his life.  Robert Goulet was 73 when he died of Pulmonary Fibrosis on October 30, 2007.

What You Should Own

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Robert Goulet: 16 Most Requested Songs - Robert Goulet

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