Role

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Composer

Genre

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Choral

 

Ralph Carmichael, also known as Jerry Rubino, was a prominent American composer and arranger of Christian music. He was born on May 27, 1927, in Quincy, Illinois, to a musical family. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a church organist. Carmichael began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Carmichael's family moved to California when he was a teenager, and he continued his musical education at the University of Southern California. He studied composition and arranging under the renowned composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. During his time at USC, Carmichael also played piano in jazz clubs and worked as a studio musician. After graduating from USC, Carmichael began his career as a composer and arranger. He worked for various record labels, including Capitol Records and RCA Victor, and arranged music for popular artists such as Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald. Carmichael's arrangements were known for their innovative use of harmony and rhythm, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the top arrangers in the music industry. In the 1950s, Carmichael began to focus on composing and arranging Christian music. He believed that music could be a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, and he wanted to create music that would appeal to a younger generation of Christians. Carmichael's first major success in Christian music came in 1956 with the release of his album "Ralph Carmichael Presents the Bel Air Youth Choir." The album featured innovative arrangements of traditional hymns and became a best-seller. Carmichael continued to compose and arrange Christian music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He worked with a variety of artists, including Pat Boone, the Imperials, and the Bill Gaither Trio. Carmichael's music was known for its catchy melodies and uplifting lyrics, and he became one of the most popular composers in the Christian music industry. One of Carmichael's most famous works is the song "He's Everything to Me," which he wrote in 1964. The song became a hit for gospel singer Elvis Presley and has since been recorded by numerous other artists. Another of Carmichael's popular songs is "The Savior Is Waiting," which he wrote in 1958. The song has become a beloved hymn in many churches and has been translated into multiple languages. In addition to his work in Christian music, Carmichael also composed music for television and film. He wrote the theme music for the TV series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "The Donna Reed Show." He also composed the score for the film "The Blob" in 1958. Carmichael's contributions to Christian music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He won multiple Grammy Awards for his work, including Best Sacred Performance in 1962 and 1963. He was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1985. Carmichael continued to compose and arrange music throughout his life, even after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1990s. He passed away on October 17, 2020, at the age of 93. In conclusion, Ralph Carmichael was a talented composer and arranger who made significant contributions to both secular and Christian music. His innovative arrangements and catchy melodies have made his music beloved by generations of listeners. Carmichael's legacy as a composer and arranger will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.

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