Memoirs of a Famous Composer-Nobody Ever Heard Of

About the Book

Earle Hagen is a famous composer nobody ever heard of. One can argue with that syntax, but the fact is undeniable.

Do you know who wrote, “Harlem Nocturne?” Have you ever listened in wonder to Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey and Ray Noble and marveled at the great musicians who played with them during the Big Band era? Have you watched a television show or feature film and given any thought to the composer who wrote the score, or even won an Emmy or was nominated for an Oscar? Did you, even once, care about who did an arrangement for Marylin Monroe or Frank Sinatra? Do you really want to know what composer has been honored with BMI’s top award? Have you ever wondered who wrote and whistled the theme for “The Andy Griffith Show?’Has it ever crossed your mind that tomorrow’s film and television music will come, in large part, from the students getting much of their guidance from two singular textbooks?

Of course not! That’s why Earle Hagen is a famous composer that nobody, including you, ever heard of. And that’s why he’s written a gabby, breezy, anecdotal book about the half century career he had in music.

About the Author

Earle Hagen’s musical odyssey began, when at 17, he began playing trombone with the fabled “Big Bands,” from Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman to RayNoble and BennyPollack. He was only 19 when he composed the great instrumental standard, “Harlem Nocturne.” He wrote arrangements for great stars and spent seven years at 20th Century Fox Studios where he was nominated for an Oscar. In television, the theme he wrote and whistled for the Andy Griffith Show is probably the best recognized theme in the history of the medium where he composed and conducted three thousand episodes of the most memorable TV shows, and won an Emmy for his work on “I Spy.” The recipient of the most prestigious awards in his field, he has taught a generation of aspiring film composers, lectured at UCLA and USC, and authored two definitive textbooks on film scoring. Treat yourself to a delightful time in the company of a popular music legend by reading this light, breezy, funny, anecdotal story of Earle Hagen’s life and career. You’ll be glad you did.