A prolific composer and pianist, he wrote music for films, television, and stage, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and wins. His work spanned genres from jazz to classical.
Walter Scharf was a renowned American musician, composer, and arranger who left an indelible mark on the world of film, television, and concert music. With a career spanning over six decades, he was best known for his work as a film composer, arranger, and conductor, earning him a staggering ten Academy Award nominations.
Born on August 1, 1910, in Manhattan, New York, Scharf was the son of Yiddish theatre comic Bessie Zwerling. His early life was steeped in the world of entertainment, and he began his musical journey as a pianist and arranger for various singers and orchestras.
In his 20s, Scharf worked as an orchestrator for George Gershwin's Broadway musical Girl Crazy, and later became the accompanist for singer Helen Morgan. His big break came when he started working as a pianist and arranger for singer Rudy Vallee.
Scharf's Hollywood career began in 1933, where he worked as an arranger for Al Jolson at Warner Bros., Alice Faye at 20th Century-Fox, and Bing Crosby at Paramount. One of his most notable early works was orchestrating the original version of Irving Berlin's White Christmas for the film Holiday Inn (1942).
Between 1942 and 1946, Scharf served as the head of music for Republic Pictures. He then went on to work as an arranger-conductor for the Phil Harris-Alice Faye radio show from 1948 to 1954.
Scharf's work earned him ten Academy Award nominations for his musical direction on films such as Hans Christian Andersen (1952), Funny Girl (1968), and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). He won a Golden Globe for his work on the song "Ben" from the film Ben (1972), which was written in collaboration with lyricist Don Black.
Scharf's versatility and talent led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. He worked on over a dozen films with comedian Jerry Lewis, implementing a unique style that blended comedy with big, dramatic orchestral touches.
He also worked on three Elvis Presley pictures, including Loving You (1957) and King Creole (1958). Scharf's music continues to inspire generations of musicians and composers, leaving behind a legacy that is as rich as it is diverse.
In addition to his impressive career, Scharf was married to singer and actress, Marguerite Merritt, and had two children, Michael and Laurie. He passed away on February 24, 2003, leaving behind a treasure trove of music that continues to enchant audiences around the world.
Walter Scharf's life and legacy serve as a testament to the power of music to transcend generations and mediums. His work continues to inspire and delight audiences, cementing his place as one of the most talented and versatile musicians of the 20th century.
Born in 1910
A renowned composer and conductor, best known for scoring iconic films like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Spartacus", earning him 15 Academy Award nominations.
Born in 1911
A renowned composer and conductor, he crafted iconic film scores that elevated cinematic experiences, including the haunting themes for Psycho and Taxi Driver.
Born in 1894
A renowned composer and conductor who scored iconic films like "High Noon" and "It's a Wonderful Life", creating memorable themes that evoke emotions and nostalgia.
Born in 1922
A renowned composer and conductor, he scored iconic films like "The Magnificent Seven" and "To Kill a Mockingbird", leaving an indelible mark on American cinematic history.
Born in 1907
A renowned composer and conductor, he created iconic film scores for Hollywood classics like "Ben-Hur" and "El Cid", earning him multiple Academy Awards.
Born in 1906
A renowned composer and conductor, best known for scoring iconic Hollywood films, including "Rebecca," "Sunset Boulevard," and "The Bride of Frankenstein," earning him multiple Academy Awards.
Born in 1924
A renowned composer and conductor, best known for creating iconic film scores, including the Pink Panther theme and Breakfast at Tiffany's soundtrack, that evoke timeless elegance and sophistication.
94 Years Old
A renowned pianist, composer, and conductor, he is best known for his iconic film scores, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter, which have become an integral part of popular culture.
