Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 17, 1916 in Phoenixville, PA

Death

:

October 15, 1999 in Austin, TX

 

Terry Gilkyson was an American folk singer and songwriter who was born on June 17, 1916, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a Methodist minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Gilkyson learned to play the guitar at a young age and began writing songs in his teens. Gilkyson attended the University of Arizona, where he studied journalism. After graduation, he worked as a reporter for the Arizona Republic before moving to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early 1940s, he formed a folk group called The Easy Riders with two other musicians, Richard Dehr and Frank Miller. The group had some success, but Gilkyson eventually left to pursue a solo career. In the 1950s, Gilkyson moved to California and began writing songs for movies and television. He wrote the theme song for the popular TV show "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin" and also wrote songs for Disney movies such as "The Jungle Book" and "The Aristocats." He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "The Bare Necessities" from "The Jungle Book." Gilkyson was also a prolific songwriter for other artists. His songs were recorded by artists such as Johnny Cash, Dean Martin, and Nat King Cole. One of his most famous songs, "Memories Are Made of This," was a hit for Dean Martin in 1956. In addition to his work in popular music, Gilkyson also composed classical music. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "The Oregon Trail Suite," which was commissioned by the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. The suite tells the story of the pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. Gilkyson's classical music was influenced by his love of folk music. He often incorporated folk melodies and themes into his compositions. His music was also influenced by his travels. He spent time in Africa and South America, and these experiences inspired some of his compositions. Gilkyson continued to write music throughout his life. He died on October 15, 1999, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 83. He was survived by his wife and three children. In conclusion, Terry Gilkyson was a talented musician and songwriter who made significant contributions to both popular and classical music. His songs continue to be beloved by audiences today, and his classical compositions are a testament to his creativity and versatility as a composer. Gilkyson's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.

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