He was a composer,pianist and conductor born in New York City, who as a child was a dancer and an actor as well as winning several prizes for painting.
He studied at the Walden School and New York University and he was given a scholarship in piano when he was 12 and after playing for Aaron Copland he selected a piano teacher for him.
He started his career as a concert pianist before concentrating on composition and went on to write the themes to more than 200 films and TV shows.
He was gray-listed during the McCarthy era but managed to still work on low budget science fiction films.
He received Golden Globes for To Kill a Mockingbird and Hawaii, an Emmy for the score of The Making of the President, five Grammy nominations and 2 Tony awards. He also received 14 Academy Award nominations and won once for Thoroughly Modern Millie as well as receiving a Lifetime Achievement award. He was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He died in his sleep on 18th August 2004 at his home in Ojai , California .
Elmer Bernstein Recordings
Sons of Katie Elder (Elmer Bernstein/Ernie Sheldon )
Columbia, 4-43357, RZSP 72631 (US 45)
Conductor – Elmer Bernstein
Vocals – Ernie Sheldon
Theme from Katie Elder (Elmer Bernstein)
Columbia, 4-43357, RZSP 72628 (US 45)
Conductor – Elmer Bernstein
London Symphony Orchestra recordings
La Vega ( Isaac Albeniz)
Angel 56859 (CD:Elmer Bernstein/Christopher Parkening: Concerto for Guitar)
Conductor – Elmer Bernstein
Guitar – Christopher Parkening
Here he is conducting at the Proms….
Sources:
- http://www.elmerbernstein.com/bio/biography.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_Bernstein
- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000930/
- http://www.americanmusicpreservation.com/sammys2006.htm
- https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/elmer-bernstein-11383
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/36868-Elmer-Bernstein
- http://www.allmusic.com/artist/elmer-bernstein-mn0000175087/biography