Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

August 13, 1913 in Passaic, NJ

Death

:

May 14, 1970 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Jack Fina was an American pianist and composer who was born on August 13, 1913, in Passaic, New Jersey. He was the youngest of four children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their children to pursue music. Fina began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and later became a pianist for the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Arturo Toscanini. In the 1940s, Fina began composing music for popular bands and orchestras. He wrote arrangements for Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller, among others. His most famous composition was "Bumble Boogie," a jazz adaptation of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee." The piece became a hit in 1946 and was later featured in the Disney film "Melody Time." Fina continued to compose and arrange music throughout his career, working with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee. He also wrote music for films and television shows, including "The Honeymooners" and "The Jackie Gleason Show." In addition to his work as a composer, Fina was also a talented pianist. He performed in concerts and on television shows, showcasing his virtuosic technique and improvisational skills. He was known for his energetic and lively performances, which often included jazz and popular music. Fina passed away on December 14, 1970, at the age of 57. His legacy lives on through his compositions and arrangements, which continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

More....