Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 3, 1909 in Mount Moria, MO

Death

:

July 23, 1970 in Hollywood, CA

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Leith Stevens was an American composer and arranger who was born on September 13, 1909, in Mount Moriah, Missouri. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Stevens began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He later studied at the University of Missouri and the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Stevens began his career as a composer and arranger in the 1930s, working for radio and film studios in New York City. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to write music that was both innovative and accessible. In 1937, he moved to Hollywood to work for Warner Bros. Studios, where he composed music for a number of films, including "The Roaring Twenties" and "High Sierra." Stevens continued to work in Hollywood throughout the 1940s and 1950s, composing music for a wide range of films, including "The Big Sleep," "The Wild One," and "The War of the Worlds." He also worked on a number of television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits." One of Stevens' most famous works is the score for the 1955 film "The Man with the Golden Arm," which starred Frank Sinatra. The film was groundbreaking for its portrayal of drug addiction, and Stevens' score was equally innovative. He used a jazz-influenced score that featured a prominent drum solo, which was unusual for a film score at the time. The score was so successful that it was released as a standalone album, which became a bestseller. Stevens also composed music for a number of other films that were ahead of their time, including "Private Hell 36," which dealt with police corruption, and "The James Dean Story," which was a documentary about the life of the famous actor. In addition to his work in film and television, Stevens was also a prolific composer of concert music. He wrote a number of symphonies, concertos, and chamber works, many of which were performed by major orchestras and ensembles. His music was known for its accessibility and its ability to connect with audiences. Stevens was also a pioneer in the use of electronic music in film scores. He used electronic instruments in a number of his scores, including "Destination Moon" and "The War of the Worlds." He was one of the first composers to use electronic music in a film score, and his work in this area helped to pave the way for future composers. Stevens continued to work in Hollywood until his death in 1970. He was a highly respected composer and arranger who was known for his innovative and accessible music. His work in film and television helped to shape the sound of American popular culture, and his concert music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

More....