Nelson Riddle

Nelson Riddle composed many memorable themes and scores for both television and feature films. He began his lengthy career as a piano player as a young teen. By age 14, he was a trombone player and went on to play with a number of well-known bands... more

Nelson Riddle composed many memorable themes and scores for both television and feature films. He began his lengthy career as a piano player as a young teen. By age 14, he was a trombone player and went on to play with a number of well-known bands including those of Tommy Dorsey and Bob Crosby. Following WWII, he worked for NBC radio. Through the 1950s, Riddle worked as an arranger and conductor for several major performers, notably Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra in 1953. In 1955, Riddle had his first number one hit with "Lisbon Antigua." Three years later, he earned a Grammy. By that time, Riddle had begun working in feature films as a composer, arranger, and conductor. His film credits include The St. Louis Blues, Pal Joey, and A Hole in the Head. In 1975, his score for The Great Gatsby earned an Oscar. Some of his better-known television themes include The Untouchables, Batman, Route 66, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide less