Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

May 13, 1909 in Hebron, NE

Death

:

January 24, 1992 in Sherman Oaks, CA

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Ken Darby was a renowned American composer, arranger, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on May 13, 1909, in Hebron, Nebraska, Darby showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later went on to study music at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he honed his skills as a composer and arranger. Darby's career in music began in the 1930s when he started working as a vocal arranger for Hollywood films. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to create lush, harmonious arrangements that perfectly complemented the on-screen action. Some of his early film credits include "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), "Gone with the Wind" (1939), and "Pinocchio" (1940). In addition to his work in film, Darby also composed and arranged music for radio and television programs. He was particularly well-known for his work on the popular radio show "The Bing Crosby Show," where he served as the musical director and arranger for many years. Darby's talent as a composer and arranger was not limited to the world of popular entertainment, however. He also made significant contributions to the world of classical music, composing a number of works that are still performed today. One of his most famous compositions is the choral work "Ballad for Americans," which he wrote in 1939. The piece, which features a stirring patriotic text by John La Touche, was an instant hit and has since become a staple of the American choral repertoire. Another notable work by Darby is his "Symphony No. 1," which he composed in 1955. The piece, which was premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, is a lush, romantic work that showcases Darby's skill as an orchestrator. The symphony was well-received by critics and audiences alike and helped to establish Darby as a serious composer in the classical tradition. Throughout his career, Darby continued to work in a variety of musical genres, from film and television to classical and popular music. He was a versatile and talented musician who was equally at home in the concert hall and the recording studio. His contributions to the world of music have had a lasting impact and continue to be celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.

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