Jazz Arranger and Movie Score Writer, Johnny Mandel has died at 94

Johnny Mandel died on June 29th at 94. As an 11 year old a visit from an older cousin who was a member of Harry Reser's band encouraged him towards a career in music. He learned piano, eventually switching to trumpet and trombone. His interest in arranging came early and he began to seriously study towards that end, attending the Manhattan School of Music and then Julliard.  He played in the bands of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Jimmy Dorsey, Henry Jerome and others before switching entirely to arranging and composing by the early 50s. He wrote compositions for Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Count Basie, Chet Baker, and Johnny Mercer, with whom his "Emily" became a hit in 1964. He also arranged for Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, and Peggy Lee, among others. In 1991 his arrangements were heard on the Unforgettable album on which Natalie Cole was reunited in an overdubbed duet with her father. In 1958 he began working on film scores beginning with  I Want to Live! His most recognizable melody is probably "Suicide is Painless" which was the theme to the 1970  M*A*S*H film and later the TV series. Other popular theme's were "Close Enough for Love", "Emily", "The Shadow of Your Smile", and "A Time for Love". Several of his themes have become jazz standards.
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!

The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.

Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.

Already Registered? Log In

If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.

Or look at our Subscription Options.