Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 16, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

December 19, 2018 in Montecito, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Norman Gimbel was a renowned American lyricist and composer who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on November 16, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Jewish immigrants. Gimbel's parents were both musically inclined, and they encouraged their son to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Gimbel's musical journey began when he started playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the guitar and the accordion, which helped him develop a deep understanding of music theory and composition. Gimbel attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he honed his skills as a musician and composer. After graduating from high school, Gimbel enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied music composition and theory. He also became involved in the university's music scene, performing in various bands and ensembles. Gimbel's talent as a composer and lyricist soon caught the attention of the music industry, and he was offered a job as a staff writer for music publisher Edwin H. Morris & Co. Gimbel's career as a composer and lyricist took off in the 1950s, when he began collaborating with some of the most prominent musicians of the time. He worked with jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, as well as pop icons like Neil Diamond and Paul Anka. Gimbel's ability to write lyrics that perfectly complemented the melodies of his collaborators' music made him a sought-after songwriter in the industry. One of Gimbel's most significant contributions to the world of music was his work on the soundtrack for the 1969 film The Thomas Crown Affair. Gimbel wrote the lyrics for the film's theme song, "The Windmills of Your Mind," which was composed by French musician Michel Legrand. The song went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it remains one of the most iconic movie themes of all time. Gimbel's other notable works include the lyrics for the theme song of the television series Happy Days, as well as the English-language version of the Brazilian song "The Girl from Ipanema." He also wrote the lyrics for the hit songs "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "I Will Wait for You." Gimbel's talent as a composer and lyricist earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He won four Grammy Awards for his work on various songs, including "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The Girl from Ipanema." He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991. Despite his success, Gimbel remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to write music and collaborate with other musicians until his death on December 19, 2018, at the age of 91. Gimbel's legacy as a composer and lyricist lives on through his timeless music, which continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

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