Ben Lanzarone, the composer, arranger, musical director and pianist who wrote music for such shows as Dynasty, Happy Days, Mr. Belvedere and The Tracey Ullman Show, has died. He was 85.
Lanzarone died Friday in his Los Angeles home of lung cancer, his family announced.
The Brooklyn native toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, Mary Travers, Anthony Newley, Petula Clark, Lainie Kazan and Mason Williams and for Broadway served as the musical director on the original 1972-1980 production of Grease and arranger on 1972’s Via Galactica and 1975’s Truckload.
His long association with TV producers Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer resulted in scores for Dynasty, The Colbys, The Love Boat, Vega$, Matt Houston and Hotel.
And for production companies led by Thomas Miller, Edward Milkis and/or Bob Boyett, he came up with music for episodes of Happy Days (including the one in 1977 when Henry Winkler’s...
Lanzarone died Friday in his Los Angeles home of lung cancer, his family announced.
The Brooklyn native toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, Mary Travers, Anthony Newley, Petula Clark, Lainie Kazan and Mason Williams and for Broadway served as the musical director on the original 1972-1980 production of Grease and arranger on 1972’s Via Galactica and 1975’s Truckload.
His long association with TV producers Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer resulted in scores for Dynasty, The Colbys, The Love Boat, Vega$, Matt Houston and Hotel.
And for production companies led by Thomas Miller, Edward Milkis and/or Bob Boyett, he came up with music for episodes of Happy Days (including the one in 1977 when Henry Winkler’s...
- 2/19/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Composer Ben Lanzarone, whose work was featured in television shows such as “Happy Days,” “The Love Boat” and “Dynasty,” died of lung cancer in Los Angeles on Feb. 16. He was 85.
Lanzarone received ASCAP’s “Most Performed Composer Award” for his work composing television scores. He wrote for episodes of “The Tracy Ullman Show,” “The Jay Leno Comedy Hour” and” Mr. Belvedere.” In association with Aaron Spelling and Doug Cramer, he composed many scores for “Dynasty,” “The Love Boat,” “Vegas,” “Matt Houston,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel.” In addition, he wrote the music for numerous episodes of “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy.”
Also an arranger, musical director and pianist, Lanzarone became a force in popular music when he began associating with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox. Lanzarone’s album “In Classic Form” came as a result of their collaboration, showing off his talent as a classical and jazz pianist.
Lanzarone received ASCAP’s “Most Performed Composer Award” for his work composing television scores. He wrote for episodes of “The Tracy Ullman Show,” “The Jay Leno Comedy Hour” and” Mr. Belvedere.” In association with Aaron Spelling and Doug Cramer, he composed many scores for “Dynasty,” “The Love Boat,” “Vegas,” “Matt Houston,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel.” In addition, he wrote the music for numerous episodes of “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy.”
Also an arranger, musical director and pianist, Lanzarone became a force in popular music when he began associating with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox. Lanzarone’s album “In Classic Form” came as a result of their collaboration, showing off his talent as a classical and jazz pianist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The music business is all about the next big act, the next big performer. Who’s going to break out. Who’s going to be the next household name. The Grammys, over the years and to varying degrees of success, has delivered that prediction with its Best New Artist prize.
Starting with Bobby Darin in 1960, the award has been the harbinger of who’s going to be topping the music world … some of the time. Darin didn’t do too bad in his long music and acting career. In 1965, a little combo from the UK made the cut and The Beatles went on to become one of the greatest bands ever.
Some other highlights of the Best New Artist roster. In 1962, Peter Nero was the first jazz musician to win. Bobbie Gentry was the first woman to win in 1968. The Carpenters, Richard and Karen, was the first duo to win...
Starting with Bobby Darin in 1960, the award has been the harbinger of who’s going to be topping the music world … some of the time. Darin didn’t do too bad in his long music and acting career. In 1965, a little combo from the UK made the cut and The Beatles went on to become one of the greatest bands ever.
Some other highlights of the Best New Artist roster. In 1962, Peter Nero was the first jazz musician to win. Bobbie Gentry was the first woman to win in 1968. The Carpenters, Richard and Karen, was the first duo to win...
- 2/5/2024
- by David Morgan
- Deadline Film + TV
Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up-close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features keyboardist David Rosenthal.
As a kid growing up in Edison, New Jersey, in the Seventies, David Rosenthal used to hop on a train and...
As a kid growing up in Edison, New Jersey, in the Seventies, David Rosenthal used to hop on a train and...
- 4/21/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Romantic comedies became coy sex chase comedies in the early 1960s, once Doris Day made ‘professional virgin’ a Hollywood career. This mistaken identity/crossed prevarications farce is better than most, thanks to charming performances by Jane Fonda and Rod Taylor, and a fine script by Norman Krasna, from his play. The story doesn’t dance around the issue of should she or shouldn’t she — the frustrated young heroine asks the question right out loud: ‘Am I supposed to sleep with a steady boyfriend?’
Sunday in New York
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 105 min. / Street Date May 19, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Jane Fonda, Rod Taylor, Cliff Robertson, Robert Culp, Jo Morrow, Jim Backus, Peter Nero, Jim Hutton, Alvy Moore, Teru Shimada.
Cinematography: Leo Tover
Film Editor: Fredric Steinkamp
Original Music: Peter Nero
Written by Norman Krasna from his play
Produced by Everett Freeman
Directed by Peter Tewksbury...
Sunday in New York
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 105 min. / Street Date May 19, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Jane Fonda, Rod Taylor, Cliff Robertson, Robert Culp, Jo Morrow, Jim Backus, Peter Nero, Jim Hutton, Alvy Moore, Teru Shimada.
Cinematography: Leo Tover
Film Editor: Fredric Steinkamp
Original Music: Peter Nero
Written by Norman Krasna from his play
Produced by Everett Freeman
Directed by Peter Tewksbury...
- 6/16/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Jane Fonda and Rod Taylor in Sunday In New York is available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering info can be found Here
Before she became a great star and two-time Academy Award® winner*, Jane Fonda was a screen ingenue who sent a string of bubbly romantic comedies soaring, including this charmer from the prolific pen of Norman Krasna. Fonda portrays a virginal miss blessed with long limbs and a knockout profile who runs from her fianc� (Robert Culp) to the swingin’ pad of her brother (Cliff Robertson) and then into the arms of a guy she meets on the Fifth Avenue bus (Rod Taylor) — all the while trying to decide if she’ll say “yes” before she says “I do.” Filmed on location, Sunday in New York is a fun, sophisticated romp set to a hip Peter Nero score that features Mel Torm� singing the title tune.
Swinging sixties...
Before she became a great star and two-time Academy Award® winner*, Jane Fonda was a screen ingenue who sent a string of bubbly romantic comedies soaring, including this charmer from the prolific pen of Norman Krasna. Fonda portrays a virginal miss blessed with long limbs and a knockout profile who runs from her fianc� (Robert Culp) to the swingin’ pad of her brother (Cliff Robertson) and then into the arms of a guy she meets on the Fifth Avenue bus (Rod Taylor) — all the while trying to decide if she’ll say “yes” before she says “I do.” Filmed on location, Sunday in New York is a fun, sophisticated romp set to a hip Peter Nero score that features Mel Torm� singing the title tune.
Swinging sixties...
- 6/4/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Yet another puzzle picture, that came out on DVD back with the first wave of Wac films in 2010. An expensive romance with Albert Finney and Yvette Mimieux, it was filmed in Europe, co-written by Ray Bradbury and bears the music of Michel Legrand, including an exceedingly well known pop song. Yet it sat on a shelf for three years, only to make a humiliating world debut on TV — on CBS’s Late Nite Movie. It was clearly one of those Productions From Hell, where nothing went right.
The Picasso Summer
DVD-r
The Warner Archive Collection
1969 originally / Color / 1:85 enhanced widescreen / 90 min. / Street Date May 28, 2010 (not a mistake) / available through the WBshop / 17.99
Starring: Albert Finney, Yvette Mimieux, Luis Miguel Dominguín, Theodore Marcuse, Jim Connell,
Peter Madden, Tutte Lemkow, Graham Stark, Marty Ingels, Georgina Cookson, Miki Iveria, Bee Duffell, Lucia Bosé, Jean Marie Ingels.
Cinematography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Original Music: Michel Legrand
Animator:...
The Picasso Summer
DVD-r
The Warner Archive Collection
1969 originally / Color / 1:85 enhanced widescreen / 90 min. / Street Date May 28, 2010 (not a mistake) / available through the WBshop / 17.99
Starring: Albert Finney, Yvette Mimieux, Luis Miguel Dominguín, Theodore Marcuse, Jim Connell,
Peter Madden, Tutte Lemkow, Graham Stark, Marty Ingels, Georgina Cookson, Miki Iveria, Bee Duffell, Lucia Bosé, Jean Marie Ingels.
Cinematography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Original Music: Michel Legrand
Animator:...
- 6/3/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Jennifer Holliday is undeniably one of RampB and Broadway's greatest voices. Endowed with a commanding and irresistible voice, immeasurable range and artistry that few can rival, Holliday has long stood in a class by herself. The dynamic songstress' now legendary show-stopping, heart-wrenching performance of the torch ballad And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going in the smash hit Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, made her a household name and introduced her big soulful voice to the world. Her portrayal of Effie Melody White, a role she co-created, not only brought theatergoers to their feet for eight performances a week, but also garnered her a Tony-Award for Best Actress in a Musical and her first Grammy-Award for Best RampB Female Vocalist. From Broadway to major TV appearances including Ellen, Ally McBeal and Touched By An Angel and half-a-dozen soundtrack credits, Jennifer Holliday is one of the most distinctive, enviable and revered voices in modern music.
- 12/13/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Encore Series, Inc./Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® elected five new members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. D. Walter Cohen, D.D.S., of Philadelphia, Pa, began his tenure as chairman of the Board immediately following the Annual Meeting. Salvatore M. DeBunda, shareholder and co-managing partner of Archer & Greiner, P.C., of Blue Bell, Pa, was also nominated as vice chairman of the Board.
- 10/21/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® has pulled out all the stops for its 30th anniversary concert on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. Two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero is joined by special guests Jack Jones, Lucie Arnaz, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Christiane Noll for an unforgettable night of music. Celebrate 30 years of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and toast "the best orchestra of its kind in the entire cosmos!"...
- 5/6/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Celebrated jazz vocalist Diane Schuur joins Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for an extraordinary concert program entitled 88 Keys, a Big Band, and a Voice. These performances mark Ms. Schuur's debut with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. Between them, Peter and Diane have four Grammy awards and recording careers that combined span more than five decades. Now, take all of that brilliant talent and imagine it together on stage at Verizon Hall!
- 4/2/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops? steps into the magical life of one of the world's greatest entertainers, Frank Sinatra, with its sensational series Celebration of Ol' Blue Eyes. With his unmatched vocal stylings, Sinatra and his legendary friends embodied the very essence of hip. Vocalist Steve Lippia, who is known for his interpretations of the Sinatra songbook, joins Peter and the Pops as it pays homage to this late, great icon. Performances of Celebration of Ol' Blue Eyes take place February 15 at 3:00 p.m., February 18 at 8:00 p.m., February 20 at 8:00 p.m., February 21 at 3:00 p.m., and February 22 at 3:00 p.m.
- 2/4/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
How do you portray democracy through the arts? That question was the inspiration for Visions of America and the collaboration between famed Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero, renowned Americana photographer Joseph Sohm, and Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer Roger Kellaway. Visions of America paints a portrait of America by choreographing Sohm's photographs to stirring traditional and new music performed by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, resulting in a photo symphony that celebrates the sights and songs of democracy. With the world premiere taking place at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on January 25, 2009, five days after America inaugurates its new president, Visions of America is a post-inaugural celebration for the people that marks a unique time in the nation's history. Visions of America unfolds for audiences as a visual and musical journey through the 50 states over three musical-movements and 13 "Mosaics" (visualized-songs). Nero, who is the founding music director of the Philly Pops,...
- 2/1/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
How do you portray democracy through the arts? That question was the inspiration for Visions of America and the collaboration between famed Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero, renowned Americana photographer Joseph Sohm, and Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer Roger Kellaway. Visions of America paints a portrait of America by choreographing Sohm's photographs to stirring traditional and new music performed by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, resulting in a photo symphony that celebrates the sights and songs of democracy. With the world premiere taking place at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on January 25, 2009, five days after America inaugurates its new president, Visions of America is a post-inaugural celebration for the people that marks a unique time in the nation's history. Visions of America unfolds for audiences as a visual and musical journey through the 50 states over three musical-movements and 13 "Mosaics" (visualized-songs). Nero, who is the founding music director of the Philly Pops,...
- 1/27/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
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