American composer and arranger. Born January 4, 1918 in Springfield, Missouri. Died July 26, 2002 in Sherman Oaks, California.
Best known for his long career with Walt Disney scoring films, cartoons and featurettes, including The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, The Shaggy D.A., and The Million Dollar Duck.
He worked with many big bands in the 1930s and 1940s, including those of Harry James, Charlie Barnet, Kay Kyser, Jack Teagarden, Bob Crosby and Glen Gray.
One of his first hits as an arranger was on And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine for Stan Kenton And His Orchestra.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for his score of Napoleon and Samantha.
Sign Song from [m=387951] has been sampled by The Beatnuts, Jagged Edge, Eko Fresh, 50 Cent, Bria Lee and DJ Smokey.