George Greeley

George Greeley
Background information
Birth name Georgio Guariglia
Born (1917-07-23)July 23, 1917
Westerly, Rhode Island, USA
Died May 26, 2007(2007-05-26) (aged 89)
Los Angeles, USA
Genres Easy listening, Jazz, Classical, Film score, Musical, Soundtrack, Electronic
Occupation(s) Pianist, Conductor, Composer, Arranger
Instruments Piano, harpsichord, mandolin
Years active 1940s - 1980s
Labels Capitol Records, Warner Brothers, Reprise, RCA,

George Greeley (born Georgio Guariglia; July 23, 1917 – May 26, 2007) was an Italian-American pianist, conductor, composer, arranger, recording artist and record producer who is known for his extensive work across the spectrum of the entertainment industry. Starting as an arranger and pianist with several notable big bands in the 1940s, he segued into the Hollywood radio scene, working on several nationally-broadcast variety programs. After conducting an Army Air Force Band during World War II, he was hired by Columbia Pictures as a staff pianist and orchestrator. He worked as pianist on several hundred motion pictures, worked with many famous composers orchestrating their soundtrack compositions, and created original compositions of his own in several dozen movies. It was Greeley's hands that performed the piano parts that Tyrone Power mimed in The Eddy Duchin Story. Concurrent with his work at Columbia Pictures, George Greeley also worked at Capitol Records as music director, pianist, and conductor for many artists such as Gordon MacRae, Jane Powell, Jo Stafford, Frankie Laine, and Doris Day. He was hired in the late 1950s by the newly established Warner Brothers Records. George Greeley arranged, orchestrated and performed as primary artist for a series of hit recordings entitled "Popular Piano Concertos." As music tastes changed in the late 1960s, Greeley had already moved into television, composing themes and music for popular TV series like My Favorite Martian, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Nanny and the Professor, and Small Wonder. He performed as featured piano soloist and as guest conductor in concert appearances around the world. George Greeley died from emphysema at age 89 in Los Angeles, California.

Early life and education

Greeley was born Georgio Guariglia in Westerly, Rhode Island on 23 July 1917. His family was newly emigrated from Italy. The Guariglia family contained many brothers who were musically gifted and could pick up almost any instrument to play. His father, James, had three music schools, and a traveling orchestra. Georgio was taught to read music at an early age and was playing piano and mandolin when he was five years old. He often sat at the piano beside his father, playing father-son recitals.[1] He studied music at Columbia University, where he met and formed a long-time friendship with Paul Weston. They would work together in later years at Capitol Records, and Columbia Records. George Greeley won a scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York, where he studied piano and composition, graduating in 1939. He also studied music at the University of Southern California, and took private instruction from Ernst Toch in composition.[2]

Early career with the big bands

George Greeley entered the music business after meeting Cy Oliver, Duke Ellington's arranger. Oliver taught him the art of arranging for big bands, and Greeley began his career arranging music for several popular figures such as Tommy Dorsey, Glen Gray, Abe Lyman, Leo Reisman, and Kay Kyser. He joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra as pianist on the same day that Frank Sinatra became the band's new vocalist in January 1940.[3] After about a year with Dorsey, Greeley defected to Abe Lyman because "the money was better, and Abe had me writing three arrangements a week. I'd studied composition and orchestration at Juilliard, and wanted to practice what I'd learned."[4] Greeley then spent time during World War II conducting an U.S. Air Force band at the Santa Ana, California Army Air Base. He also became involved in the Hollywood radio scene, working as arranger on several nationally-broadcast variety programs.[4]

Work at Columbia Pictures

A virtuoso trumpet player that Greeley had met in the Air Corps (Manny Klein) helped arrange an audition with Columbia Pictures..(successful), and Greeley went to work there as staff pianist and orchestrator. As orchestrator, Greeley would fill out the sketches supplied by composers that included Max Steiner, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Leonard Bernstein, and Dimitri Tiomkin.[4] As pianist, he performed on about two hundred motion pictures, including Picnic and The Eddy Duchin Story. He also worked as a composer. IMDb lists some twenty movies between 1949 and 1960 for which George Greeley is credited as composer of original music, including the 1957 film Hellcats of the Navy starring Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis, Good Day For a Hanging, and The Guns of Fort Petticoat, starring Audie Murphy.[5] Several films of which Greeley was especially proud included working as pianist on the Leonard Bernstein score for the 1954 drama On the Waterfront; and coaching Tyrone Power for The Eddy Duchin Story. In addition to performing the soundtrack songs when Eddy Duchin played (uncredited),[6] it was Greeley's hands that performed the piano parts which Power mimed during filming.[7][8]

Recording artist and conductor

Concurrent with his work at Columbia Pictures, Greeley worked for Capitol Records, where he was a music director, arranger, and conductor for various artists including Gordon MacRae, Dean Martin, Ella Logan, Tony Martin, Jane Powell, Jane Froman, and Keely Smith. At the behest of his friend Paul Weston, Greeley also played piano (and harpsichord) on recording sessions for acts including Frankie Laine, Jo Stafford, Hoagy Carmichael, Sarah Vaughan, Eartha Kitt, and Doris Day. Many of those recordings have been now re-mastered and re-issued as CDs.[9]

George Greeley was among the earliest artists signed to the Warner Bros. Records label when it was founded in the late 1950s, and he was instrumental in providing that company with the same elegant instrumental pop sounds that Billy Vaughn brought to Dot Records and Percy Faith brought to Columbia Records.[9] As a recording artist for Warner Bros. Records, Greeley produced and performed as pianist (and occasionally as conductor) on fourteen popular albums between 1957–67. His first album, The World's Greatest Popular Piano Concertos became Warner Bros. biggest hit to date, and Greeley's subsequent recordings were also hits for the label. Regarding the use of the phrase "Piano Concertos," Greeley stated that he hated the term, but Jim Conkling, the boss of the new Warner Bros. Records felt that the term sounded classy. The musicians performing with Greeley were an all-star collection of free lancers billed for publicity's sake as the "Warner Bros. Orchestra." Greeley said "because I was playing piano, I called some of my friends to come and conduct." Those friends included Felix Slatkin, Harry Bluestone, Ray Heindorf, and Ted Dale.[4] Greeley's 1961 album for Warner Bros. Records, The Best of the Popular Piano Concertos, peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200. On loan to Dot Records, he also ghost-conducted albums by Billy Vaughn and Lawrence Welk. Greeley's stint at Warner Brothers ended as times and popular tastes changed. He was let go by Mike Maitland who had succeeded Jim Conklin as label president. Ironically he was personally signed to the Reprise label by his old friend and band-mate, Frank Sinatra. Even more ironic, Sinatra sold the label to Warner Bros., and Greeley was trimmed once more. Never on the street, Greeley had already begun working in television and more success were to come...in television and concerts across the country.[4]

Television work

Moving into television (between the 1960s and 1985), he composed the theme and background music for several popular TV series including My Favorite Martian starring Ray Walston and Bill Bixby, My Living Doll starring Robert Cummings and Julie Newmar, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Nanny and the Professor, and Small Wonder (1985).[10]

Greeley's theme for My Favorite Martian (1963–66) is notable as one of the first uses of an electronic instrument in a television theme and prominently features an electro-theremin, played by Paul Tanner, co-creator of the instrument, who was at the time the lead trombonist for the ABC Orchestra.[11] The electro-theremin was also regularly used as a sound effect when Walston's character Uncle Martin raised his antennae or used his powers of levitation.[7]

Concert appearances

In addition to his film and TV work, Greeley performed as a piano soloist and guest conductor in Montreal, Korea, and Rio de Janeiro. In 1957 he did an extensive concert tour of South America, and conducted the Argentine Symphony in Buenos Aires.[12] Greeley participated in six television variety shows when touring in Australia. In the States, among his televised concert appearances, Greeley was guest pianist on Chicago's WGN-TV series titled "Great Music From Chicago."[13] In 1962 Greeley appeared as piano soloist with Robert Trendler conducting a program of American music.[14] Then, appearing on the same series as piano soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1964, he performed Aram Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance," Ferde Grofe's "On the Trail" from his Grand Canyon Suite, and other works.[15] In 1975 Greeley performed as guest pianist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, playing George Gershwin's Concerto in F under Arthur Fiedler's baton.[16] George Greeley also performed as guest pianist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. At the time of Greeley's death, Jon Burlingame. who was a USC professor teaching a class on the history of film scoring, stated that Greeley was an "extraordinary pianist."[7]

Personal Life No information available about Greeley's first marriage. His marriage to Jan Clayton (1966–68) ended in divorce. Greeley died from emphysema at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in Los Angeles on 26 May 2007, aged 89. He was survived by his sister, Louise Wheeler, a brother Herbert, his two sons, Anthony and Edward; and by his long-time companion, actress Teri York.[7]

Discography

Capitol Records recordings LP and EP box sets

In the 1950s it was common practice that some of the Capitol recordings were published simultaneously in both the LP format (10" and 12") and in the EP Box-set format (FBF). Some LP recordings were still being issued on 78rpm discs (e.g. With a Song in My Heart). During the 1950s many recordings listed as "Soundtracks" were actually studio recordings, as the film music was not yet released separate from the film. As stated above, many of these recordings have been re-mastered and re-issued as CDs. EPs shown separately when not a box-set. [A few Columbia Records recordings are listed here due to the fact that ownership and labels changed for some artists in the late 1950s. Also, Greeley worked for Columbia Pictures.]

Capitol 7" singles and EP

Notes

  1. ^ "Sometime" (1925 song by Gus Kahn and Ted Fiorito) reached #27, and "No Other Love" reached #10 on the Billboard charts in 1950.
  2. ^ CD release in 1994 Bear Family[9]
  3. ^ CD release in 2003[9]
  4. ^ CD release in 2004[9]
  5. ^ CD release in 2001 Bear Family[9]
  6. ^ CD release in 1997 Bear Family[9]
  7. ^ CD released in 1992[9]
  8. ^ This was first a hit with Doris Day and Les Brown in 1945 on Capitol-36769 (LP). It sold 5 million records. George Greeley more likely collaborated on the version recorded on September 11, 1964...although sources are unclear.
  9. ^ CD released in 2006[9]

Warner Brothers recordings, LP

W = Mononaural, WS = Stereo. Uncommon practice at the time, one of Conklin's contributions as president of the new label was to make all albums available in stereo. Greeley's albums were mostly recorded at Thorne Nogar's studio on Sycamore Street in Hollywood. Warner Bros. Records chief engineer was Lowell Frank, and Alvino Rey, Producer, supervised from the control booth.[4] Most of these albums were arranged and orchestrated by George Greeley. Conductor credits were not always available on the album covers.

Warner Bros. Records, 7" singles and EP

Notes

  1. ^ see Various Labels section: 2011 CD remastered release; Marathon Media International
  2. ^ see Various Labels section: 2011 CD remastered release; Marathon Media International
  3. ^ see Various Labels section: 2011 CD remastered release; Marathon Media International
  4. ^ see Various Labels Section: 1970 LP remake Christmas Rhapsody; Harmony H-30015
  5. ^ see Various Labels section: 2011 CD remastered release; Marathon Media International
  6. ^ see Various Labels section; 2004 CD remastered release; Collector's Choice Music
  7. ^ see Various Labels section; 1990 CD remastered release; Hi-Fi Hits Limited (UK)
  8. ^ see Various Labels section: 2011 CD remastered release; Master Classic Records (UK)
  9. ^ Some sources list differing dates (1961 or 1962) for these Tender is the Night releases
  10. ^ George Greeley performed piano (uncredited) in the 20th Century Fox movie Tender is the Night, per album cover

Various labels recordings LP and CD

Singles

Notes

  1. ^ The third and older musical, Sweethearts, was included; but artists were all different. 1947 cast album conducted by Al Goodman. Also released as RCA Camden CAL-369 in 1956[93]
  2. ^ CD released in 2010[9]
  3. ^ CD released in 2011[9]

Filmography

Feature and Television films

As stated above, George Greeley started as a pianist with the Columbia Pictures Music Department. Most individual musicians were not credited. He then became engaged as composer of stock music and title music, usually under the principal conductor. He also wrote original themes and film scores for several films, in addition to his Television Series compositions. [This list is derived from the IMDb website.]

Television series

Between 1950 and 1985, George Greeley was principal composer of the original scores and themes for approximately one hundred ninety-five television series episodes. (see IMDb.com for full episode list).

See also

References

  1. ↑ George Greeley, Piano Italiano, Warner Bros. W/WS-1402, 1961, LP, Liner Notes.
  2. ↑ Stewart, Lawrence D. (1963), Piano Rhapsodies of Love, Reprise Records R9-6092 (LP), Liner notes
  3. ↑ Variety obituary dated May 30, 2007 Retrieved February 9, 2014
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Todd Everett, (2004), The Best of the Popular Piano Piano Concertos, (Re-release) Collectors' Choice Music, CD, Liner Notes
  5. ↑ George Greeley on IMDb Retrieved February 13, 2014
  6. ↑ Cast & Crew for The Eddie Duchin Story Retrieved February 16, 2016
  7. 1 2 3 4 Los Angeles Times, (May 31, 2007), Dennis McLellan, "George Greeley, 89; composer wrote theme for 'My Favorite Martian'," Los Angeles, California
  8. ↑ Cast & Crew for The Eddy Duchin Story Retrieved February 16, 2014
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 George Greeley on Allmusic.com Retrieved February 13, 2014
  10. ↑ George Greeley on IMDb Retrieved February 13, 2014
  11. ↑ The Paul Tanner Electro-Theremin Page
  12. ↑ George Greeley, El Maintenant, Warner Bros. EP-17, 1961, France, Liner Notes
  13. ↑ Great Music From Chicago on World Cat Retrieved February 13, 2014
  14. ↑ The Seattle Times, (November 18, 1962), "Today on Television"
  15. ↑ The Star-Ledger, (March 15, 1964), "Sunday Evening TV Programs," Newark, New Jersey
  16. ↑ The Prescott Courier; (August 31, 1975), "Arthur Fiedler Concert, Phoenix Symphony Effort", Prescott, Arizona
  17. ↑ Chopin-Debussey-Ravel, 1950
  18. ↑ Tracklist for 1950 LP
  19. ↑ Painting, 1951 Studio Cast
  20. ↑ Capitol Album Discography
  21. ↑ Album Review, All-Music Jane Froman
  22. ↑ Roberta, 1952
  23. ↑ The Merry Widow, 1952
  24. ↑ The Desert Song, 1953
  25. ↑ The Desert Song, Australia EP
  26. ↑ The Desert Song / Roberta, 1953 split release
  27. ↑ The Student Prince, 1953
  28. ↑ Three Sailors and a Girl, 1953
  29. ↑ Capitol Records Discography
  30. ↑ Piano Demitasse, 1953
  31. ↑ Musiker, Reuben and Naomi Musiker. (1998). "Conductors and Composers of Popular Orchestral Music." (Google e-book). p. 114, Greenwood Publishing Group
  32. ↑ Piano Demitasse, 1953 UK release
  33. ↑ Naughty Marietta, 1954
  34. ↑ Naughty Marietta, AU release
  35. ↑ H.G. (February 21, 1954), "In the Groove," The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon
  36. ↑ Capitol Records Discography, Part4
  37. ↑ Prince/Widow, 1955 split release
  38. ↑ Marietta/Red Mill, 1955 split release
  39. ↑ Capitol Records Discography, Part 4
  40. ↑ Capitol L-716 USA
  41. ↑ Capitol T-716 (Brazil)
  42. ↑ Capitol T-716 (France)
  43. ↑ Weston-Greeley play Chopin, 1950
  44. ↑ The Springfield Sunday Republican, (3-16-1952), "New Recordings in Lighter Vein," Springfield, MA
  45. ↑ Oh, Come Away - single
  46. ↑ Vinyl Divas Retrieved February 16, 2014
  47. ↑ Capitol T-716 (Australia) Retrieved February 16, 2014
  48. ↑ Ten Greatest, 1957
  49. ↑ Latin Rhythms in Hi-Fi, 1959
  50. ↑ World Renowned, 1959
  51. ↑ Rockford Morning Star, (9-27-59), Jim Winchester, "Waxing Musical," Rockford, IL
  52. ↑ 22 Christmas Concerts, 1959
  53. ↑ Music of Hawaii, 1960
  54. ↑ State-Times, (9-21-60), William D. Laffer, "Popular Records," Baton Rouge, LA
  55. ↑ Piano Italiano, 1961
  56. ↑ Famous Film Themes, 1961
  57. ↑ Parrish (bonus album)
  58. ↑ The Plain Dealer, (11-26-61), "Music Center" (advertisement), Cleveland, OH
  59. ↑ Plays George Gershwin, 1962
  60. ↑ Mexican release, 1962
  61. ↑ Gershwin's World, 1962
  62. ↑ MOB and Other, 1962
  63. ↑ A Classic Affair, 1963
  64. ↑ Piano Mood Deluxe @ Gemm.com
  65. ↑ Malaguena, single
  66. ↑ Warner Bros 5000 Series Discography
  67. ↑ Singles from MOB LP, 1962
  68. ↑ Mutiny on Bounty, 1962 7"
  69. ↑ MOB, 1962 EP France
  70. ↑ Billy Vaughn-Stephen Foster, 1960
  71. ↑ Keely Christmas, 1960
  72. ↑ Dearly Beloved, 1961
  73. ↑ Tony Martin-Greatest Hits, 1961
  74. ↑ Springfield Sunday Republican, (7-21-63), "Wax Works," Springfield, Massachusetts
  75. ↑ Greeley Plays Gershwin, 1969
  76. ↑ Audio Preservation Fund, 1970 LP
  77. ↑ Love the World Away, 1980
  78. ↑ That Lovin' Feeling, 1981
  79. ↑ Parrish, 1990
  80. ↑ Keely Christmas, 1994 CD
  81. ↑ Dearly Beloved, 2004 CD
  82. ↑ My Favorite Martian, 2007 CD
  83. ↑ Reissue, 2008 CD
  84. ↑ Capitol Split Release, 2010 CD
  85. ↑ Ten Greatest, 2011 CD
  86. ↑ World Renowned, 2011 CD
  87. ↑ Motion Picture Piano Concertos, 2011 CD
  88. ↑ Love Themes, 2011 CD
  89. ↑ Love Songs Italiane, CD
  90. ↑ Martian, 2012 CD
  91. ↑ Greeley List at CD&LP
  92. ↑ Greeley releases
  93. ↑ Sweethearts, 1947

Further reading

External links

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