Composer. Born in Oradell, New Jersey, he was one of the most versatile arrangers and composers of the post-war era, with major contributions in radio, television and films. From the 1950s to 1980s, with his Nelson Riddle Orchestra, he was founding sound for many noted vocalists such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and Linda Ronstadt. He sold millions of records receiving Grammy Awards for the albums "Cross Country Suite" (1958), "What's New" (1983) and "Lush Life" (1985). For television he wrote the hit theme song for "Route 66", arranged the music for episodes of "Batman" and won an Emmy Award for music director of "The Julie Andrews Hour". He also won a Academy Award for his score of the film "The Great Gatsby" (1974) and received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974.
Composer. Born in Oradell, New Jersey, he was one of the most versatile arrangers and composers of the post-war era, with major contributions in radio, television and films. From the 1950s to 1980s, with his Nelson Riddle Orchestra, he was founding sound for many noted vocalists such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and Linda Ronstadt. He sold millions of records receiving Grammy Awards for the albums "Cross Country Suite" (1958), "What's New" (1983) and "Lush Life" (1985). For television he wrote the hit theme song for "Route 66", arranged the music for episodes of "Batman" and won an Emmy Award for music director of "The Julie Andrews Hour". He also won a Academy Award for his score of the film "The Great Gatsby" (1974) and received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1974.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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