Composer, Arranger. Born in San Piero, Patti, Sicily, Italy, into a musically-gifted family, his father was a player of the baritone. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Santa Rosa, California and (like his father) learned to play the baritone, which was his introduction to music, soon mastering other instruments, including the French horn and piano. Rugolo received his bachelor's degree from San Francisco State College and was mentored by Darius Milhaud at Mills College, prior to serving as a composer and arranger for bandleader Johnny Edwards. During World War II, he participated in the Army band, where he played with saxophonist Paul Desmond (who went on to find fame with Dave Brubeck) and upon his return home, he launched what would become a highly-successful period as an arranger and composer with Stan Kenton, earning himself recognition from Down Beat Magazine as Best Arranger for 1947. He co-produced Miles Davis' acclaimed "Birth of the Cool" (recorded during the late-1940s). During the 1950s, Rugolo trended towards pop music, as he worked with Peggy Lee, June Christy and the Four Freshmen, in addition to leading his own ensemble, and by the conclusion of the decade was familiar to television audiences. He is remembered for his invigorating pieces to such popular TV programs as "Thriller", "The Fugitive" and "Hawaii Five-O", among many others. He earned Emmy Awards for "The Challengers" (1970) and "The Bold Ones: The Lawyers" (1972), also receiving six additional nominations.
Composer, Arranger. Born in San Piero, Patti, Sicily, Italy, into a musically-gifted family, his father was a player of the baritone. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Santa Rosa, California and (like his father) learned to play the baritone, which was his introduction to music, soon mastering other instruments, including the French horn and piano. Rugolo received his bachelor's degree from San Francisco State College and was mentored by Darius Milhaud at Mills College, prior to serving as a composer and arranger for bandleader Johnny Edwards. During World War II, he participated in the Army band, where he played with saxophonist Paul Desmond (who went on to find fame with Dave Brubeck) and upon his return home, he launched what would become a highly-successful period as an arranger and composer with Stan Kenton, earning himself recognition from Down Beat Magazine as Best Arranger for 1947. He co-produced Miles Davis' acclaimed "Birth of the Cool" (recorded during the late-1940s). During the 1950s, Rugolo trended towards pop music, as he worked with Peggy Lee, June Christy and the Four Freshmen, in addition to leading his own ensemble, and by the conclusion of the decade was familiar to television audiences. He is remembered for his invigorating pieces to such popular TV programs as "Thriller", "The Fugitive" and "Hawaii Five-O", among many others. He earned Emmy Awards for "The Challengers" (1970) and "The Bold Ones: The Lawyers" (1972), also receiving six additional nominations.
Bio by: C.S.
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