Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

January 10, 1916

Death

:

January 24, 1997

 

Jack Halloran was an American composer and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 2, 1916, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Halloran grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. Halloran started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Halloran attended the University of Iowa, where he studied music theory and composition. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. In the 1940s, he worked as a pianist and arranger for various radio programs and recording studios. He also played with big bands, including those led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. In the 1950s, Halloran began to focus on composing and arranging music for television and film. He worked on several popular TV shows, including "The Danny Thomas Show" and "The Andy Griffith Show." He also composed music for films such as "The Glenn Miller Story" and "The Benny Goodman Story." Halloran's most significant contributions to classical music came in the form of his choral arrangements. He arranged and conducted choral music for many popular artists, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby. He also arranged music for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. One of Halloran's most famous choral arrangements is "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." He arranged the song for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 1959, and it quickly became one of their most popular pieces. The arrangement features a powerful and dramatic interpretation of the song, with soaring vocals and a full orchestra. Another famous choral arrangement by Halloran is "The Little Drummer Boy." He arranged the song for the Harry Simeone Chorale in 1958, and it became a holiday classic. The arrangement features a simple and beautiful melody, with a haunting choir and a gentle drumbeat. Halloran's other notable choral arrangements include "The Lord's Prayer," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," and "Mary's Boy Child." His arrangements are known for their beautiful harmonies, powerful vocals, and emotional impact. In addition to his choral arrangements, Halloran also composed several original pieces of music. One of his most famous compositions is "The Eyes of Texas," which he wrote in 1953. The song is the official anthem of the University of Texas at Austin and is played at all of their sporting events. Halloran also composed music for several films, including "The Glenn Miller Story" and "The Benny Goodman Story." His film scores are known for their jazzy and upbeat sound, with catchy melodies and lively rhythms. Throughout his career, Halloran received many awards and honors for his contributions to music. He won two Emmy Awards for his work on "The Danny Thomas Show" and "The Andy Griffith Show." He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985. Jack Halloran passed away on January 24, 1997, at the age of 80. His legacy lives on through his beautiful choral arrangements and original compositions, which continue to inspire and move audiences today.

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