Jack Elliott

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For the U.S. folk performer, see Ramblin' Jack Elliott.

Jack Elliott, a well-known musical composer, arranger and producer, was born Irwin Zucker on August 6, 1927 in Hartford, Connecticut and died on August 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California.

Elliott was co-founder and music director of the American Jazz Philharmonic (formerly the New American Orchestra) and creator of the Henry Mancini Institute. The original name of the Orchestra was "The Big O" and was the largest jazz orchestra of its kind featuring over 92 accomplished musicians. Jack Elliott was an innovator in music and blended the classical European style orchestra with modern American jazz style. His professional repertoire is diverse and accomplished, highlighted by stints as music director for the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and the 1984 Summer Olympics. In addition, he holds the distinction of serving as music director of the Grammy Awards for 30 consecutive years.

He had an accomplished career in film, scoring numerous hit movies, including "Sibling Rivalry," "The Jerk," "Oh God!" and "Where's Poppa." He also produced the "Blade Runner" soundtrack album with the New American Orchestra. He composed the song "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House" in 1948.

After graduation from the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music, he continued his post-graduate studies in composition with Arnold Franchetti, Isadore Freed, Bohuslav Martinu and Lukas Foss, but it was Judy Garland who brought Elliott to California to become an arranger for her television show.

Elliott continued his run in television as music director for Andy Williams' long running series and later produced and conducted the NBC television special "Live From Studio 8H: 100 Years of America's Popular Music." He also wrote themes for television shows "Night Court," "Barney Miller" and "Charlie's Angels". He is listed in New Grove's Dictionary of American Music and was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music.

He served as Music Director of the Henry Mancini Institute until his death from a brain tumor in August 2001.

He was uncle of actress Gina Gershon.