Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 9, 1919 in Chicago, IL

Death

:

May 26, 2008 in Rancho Mirage, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Earle H. Hagen was an American composer of classical music, best known for his contributions to the world of television and film scoring. Born on July 9, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, Hagen grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their son to pursue music from a young age. Hagen began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the trumpet and trombone. He attended the University of Southern California, where he studied music composition and orchestration. After graduation, he worked as a trombonist and arranger for various big bands, including those led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. In the 1940s, Hagen began working in the film industry as a composer and arranger. He worked on a number of films, including "The Glenn Miller Story" and "The Wild One." In 1953, he was hired by CBS to compose the theme music for a new television show called "The Danny Thomas Show." The theme, which became known as "Make Room for Daddy," was a huge success and helped establish Hagen as a leading composer for television. Over the next several decades, Hagen composed music for a number of popular television shows, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "I Spy." He also wrote the theme music for several game shows, including "The Price is Right" and "Match Game." In addition to his work in television, Hagen also composed music for films, including "Harlow" and "The Carpetbaggers." He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the 1960 film "The Facts of Life." One of Hagen's most famous compositions is the theme music for "The Andy Griffith Show." The tune, which is called "The Fishin' Hole," is a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the spirit of the show. Hagen also wrote the music for the show's closing credits, which featured a slower, more contemplative version of the theme. Another notable composition by Hagen is the theme music for "The Dick Van Dyke Show." The tune, which is called "The Dick Van Dyke Show Theme," is a jazzy, upbeat number that perfectly captures the energy and humor of the show. Hagen also wrote the music for the show's closing credits, which featured a slower, more romantic version of the theme. Hagen's music was known for its catchy melodies, clever arrangements, and use of jazz and swing elements. He was a master of creating memorable themes that perfectly captured the spirit of the shows they were written for. His music was beloved by audiences and helped establish him as one of the most important composers of his time. In addition to his work as a composer, Hagen was also a respected music educator. He taught at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, and wrote several books on music composition and orchestration. Hagen passed away on May 26, 2008, at the age of 88. His contributions to the world of television and film scoring continue to be celebrated and remembered today. His music remains a beloved part of American culture and a testament to his talent and creativity as a composer.

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