Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

January 30, 1929 in Newark, NJ

Death

:

November 11, 1991 in Encino, CA

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Morton Stevens was an American composer and arranger who was born on January 30, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey. He was the son of a jazz musician and grew up in a musical family. His father, Harry, played the trumpet and led his own band, while his mother, Rose, was a singer. Morton began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Stevens attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition and orchestration. He also studied with the renowned composer Aaron Copland, who had a significant influence on his work. After graduating from Juilliard, Stevens began his career as a composer and arranger for television and film. One of Stevens' early successes was his work on the television series "Hawaii Five-O," which aired from 1968 to 1980. Stevens composed the show's iconic theme song, which became one of the most recognizable pieces of music in television history. The theme featured a driving rhythm, a catchy melody, and a distinctive brass section that captured the excitement and energy of the show. Stevens also composed the music for many other television shows, including "Police Woman," "The Love Boat," and "Gunsmoke." He was known for his ability to create memorable themes and for his skill in orchestrating music for a variety of instruments. In addition to his work in television, Stevens also composed music for films. He wrote the score for the 1966 film "The Oscar," which starred Stephen Boyd and Elke Sommer. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but Stevens' music received praise for its lush orchestration and dramatic themes. Stevens' other film credits include "The Mephisto Waltz" (1971), "The Last Dinosaur" (1977), and "The Manitou" (1978). He also composed music for several made-for-television movies, including "The Night Stalker" (1972) and "The Night Strangler" (1973). Throughout his career, Stevens received numerous awards and nominations for his work in television and film. He won two Emmy Awards for his work on "Hawaii Five-O" and was nominated for several others. He also received a Grammy nomination for his arrangement of the theme from "Police Woman." Stevens continued to work as a composer and arranger until his death on November 11, 1991, in Encino, California. He was 62 years old. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. In conclusion, Morton Stevens was a talented composer and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of television and film music. His iconic theme for "Hawaii Five-O" remains one of the most recognizable pieces of music in television history, and his work on other shows and films helped to define the sound of popular entertainment in the 1960s and 1970s. Stevens' legacy as a composer and arranger continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

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