Ben Homer

Ben Homer (27 June 1917, Meriden, Connecticut – 12 February 1975, Los Angeles, California) was an American songwriter, composer and arranger.

Born as Benjamin Hozer. He became a member of the Meriden Symphony orchestra at the age of 11. His composing ability showed early in his life with his composition of his "Class Song " at Jefferson Junior High School in 1932. He was then educated at the New England Conservatory of Music. At the age of 15 he became a member of the American Federation of Musicians.[1]

He began his professional career by moving to New York City in 1938 and changing his name to Homer. He found his musical talents in great demand in the music industry. Homer became a staff composer for dance band leader Les Brown in 1940. During his career he arranged for the orchestras of Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Jimmy Dorsey, and also for films, records and television.[2] [3] [4] [5]

His chief musical collaborator was the lyricist Bud Green.

His most popular works are "Sentimental Journey" (1944), "Bizet Has His Day" (1945) (a jazz arrangement of Georges Bizet's “Farandole” from L’Arlésienne-Suite), "Shoot the Sherbet to Me Herbert" (1939) and "Joltin' Joe Di Maggio" (1941).[6][7]

He returned to the New England Conservatory of Music in 1942 to teach modern music theory and arranging.

In the early 1950s he gave up his musical career to become a minister with the Jehovah's Witnesses.

References

  1. ↑ Ben Homer Biography at The Meriden Hall of Fame, Accessed 3 Sept 2014
  2. ↑ Ben Homer Biography at Radio Swiss Jazz, Accessed 3 Sept 2014
  3. ↑ Ben Homer Discography at 2014 Discogs. Accessed 3 Sept 2014
  4. ↑ Ben Homer Biography at All Music, Accessed 3 Sept 2014
  5. ↑ Ben Homer at IMDB , Accessed 3 Sept 2014
  6. ↑ Bossert, Christian (2011-09-26). "DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #82: Bizet Has His Day". Shuffle Projects!. Retrieved 03.09.2014. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  7. ↑ Bossert, Christian (2012-05-29). "DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #117: Shoot The Sherbert To Me Herbert". Shuffle Projects. Retrieved 01.09.2014. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)


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