Nelson Riddle
Nelson Riddle (
June 1,
1921 -
October 6,
1985) was a well-known
American bandleader,
arranger and
orchestrator whose career spanned from the late
1940s until the mid
1970s. Riddle is perhaps best known for his
1950s work for
Capitol Records, providing jazzy
big-band style arrangements to back such
vocalists as
Frank Sinatra,
Dean Martin and
Nat King Cole. However, his work also spanned into
film and
television scores, a
1970s collaboration with
Linda Ronstadt, and conducting for the inaugural balls of
John F. Kennedy and
Ronald Reagan.
Riddle died in 1985, and is buried in the Hollywood Forever Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood, California.
Notable Song Arrangements
- "I've Got You Under My Skin" (for Frank Sinatra)
- "Night and Day" (for Frank Sinatra)
- "Witchcraft" (for Frank Sinatra)
Notable Film and Television Work
- "Route 66" (theme song earned Riddle a Top 40 single in 1962)
- "The Great Gatsby" (earned Riddle a 1974 Academy Award)
- "Li'l Abner" (one of Riddle's first film scores)