John Elliot (songwriter)

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John "Jack" Elliot (May 7, 1914 – August 18, 2001)[1] was an American song writer. His work spans nearly four decades, including 30 years as the musical director of the Grammy Awards.

Born in Gowanda, New York, Elliot graduated from the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music. He continued to study with other notable composers, including Arnold Franchetti, Isadore Freed, Bohuslav Martinu and Lukas Foss, before Judy Garland hired him to arrange music for her television show.

Elliot found a niche in composing for film and television. He scored movies including Where's Poppa?, Oh, God! and The Jerk. He also notably produced the soundtrack album for Blade Runner with the New American Orchestra, which he co-founded.

Elliot's television credits include acting as musical director for The Andy Williams Show and producing music for hit television series, including Charlie's Angels, Night Court, and Barney Miller.

In addition to his previously mentioned tenure as musical director of the Grammys, Elliot acted as musical director for many major award shows, including the Academy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors and the Emmy Awards. He also served as musical director for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

In 1997, Elliot created the Henry Mancini Institute, which nurtured emerging professional musicians, as well as providing musical outreach to the Los Angeles community.[2] He acted as director of the Institute until his death in 2001.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Internet Movie Database Biography [1]
  2. ^ Henry Mancini Institute [2]