Ben Lanzarone, the composer, arranger, musical director and pianist who wrote music for such shows as Dynasty, Happy Days, Mr. Belvedere and The Tracey Ullman Show, has died. He was 85.
Lanzarone died Friday in his Los Angeles home of lung cancer, his family announced.
The Brooklyn native toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, Mary Travers, Anthony Newley, Petula Clark, Lainie Kazan and Mason Williams and for Broadway served as the musical director on the original 1972-1980 production of Grease and arranger on 1972’s Via Galactica and 1975’s Truckload.
His long association with TV producers Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer resulted in scores for Dynasty, The Colbys, The Love Boat, Vega$, Matt Houston and Hotel.
And for production companies led by Thomas Miller, Edward Milkis and/or Bob Boyett, he came up with music for episodes of Happy Days (including the one in 1977 when Henry Winkler’s...
Lanzarone died Friday in his Los Angeles home of lung cancer, his family announced.
The Brooklyn native toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, Mary Travers, Anthony Newley, Petula Clark, Lainie Kazan and Mason Williams and for Broadway served as the musical director on the original 1972-1980 production of Grease and arranger on 1972’s Via Galactica and 1975’s Truckload.
His long association with TV producers Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer resulted in scores for Dynasty, The Colbys, The Love Boat, Vega$, Matt Houston and Hotel.
And for production companies led by Thomas Miller, Edward Milkis and/or Bob Boyett, he came up with music for episodes of Happy Days (including the one in 1977 when Henry Winkler’s...
- 2/19/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Composer Ben Lanzarone, whose work was featured in television shows such as “Happy Days,” “The Love Boat” and “Dynasty,” died of lung cancer in Los Angeles on Feb. 16. He was 85.
Lanzarone received ASCAP’s “Most Performed Composer Award” for his work composing television scores. He wrote for episodes of “The Tracy Ullman Show,” “The Jay Leno Comedy Hour” and” Mr. Belvedere.” In association with Aaron Spelling and Doug Cramer, he composed many scores for “Dynasty,” “The Love Boat,” “Vegas,” “Matt Houston,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel.” In addition, he wrote the music for numerous episodes of “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy.”
Also an arranger, musical director and pianist, Lanzarone became a force in popular music when he began associating with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox. Lanzarone’s album “In Classic Form” came as a result of their collaboration, showing off his talent as a classical and jazz pianist.
Lanzarone received ASCAP’s “Most Performed Composer Award” for his work composing television scores. He wrote for episodes of “The Tracy Ullman Show,” “The Jay Leno Comedy Hour” and” Mr. Belvedere.” In association with Aaron Spelling and Doug Cramer, he composed many scores for “Dynasty,” “The Love Boat,” “Vegas,” “Matt Houston,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel.” In addition, he wrote the music for numerous episodes of “Happy Days,” “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy.”
Also an arranger, musical director and pianist, Lanzarone became a force in popular music when he began associating with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox. Lanzarone’s album “In Classic Form” came as a result of their collaboration, showing off his talent as a classical and jazz pianist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Viewers watching La Usurpadora The Musical in theaters this weekend are going to have a hard time not singing along to the film’s re-imagining of Nineties classic songs. On Friday, the bilingual film, which is based on the iconic Nineties telenovela of the same name, premieres in theaters — and its soundtrack features a selection of the nostalgic Latin pop hits.
Rolling Stone has an exclusive first look at one of the film’s musical numbers: a mashup of Ricky Martin’s “Vuelve” and Ana Gabriel and Vikki Carr’s “Cosas del Amor,...
Rolling Stone has an exclusive first look at one of the film’s musical numbers: a mashup of Ricky Martin’s “Vuelve” and Ana Gabriel and Vikki Carr’s “Cosas del Amor,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
One of the most exciting parts of every award show is watching long-standing records break. For the 2023 Grammys, multiple artists are in a good position to make history. Let’s look at a few artists who can leave their mark on Grammys history.
SEE2022 Latin Grammys preview: Rosalia, Bad Bunny and more big names to expect at 23rd annual awards Bruno Mars
One of the biggest Grammy darlings in recent years has been Bruno Mars. The pop and R&b singer-songwriter has claimed 15 Grammys over his career so far, most of them in the past six years. Among those 15 Grammys, he has won three for Record of the Year, tying Paul Simon for the most wins by an artist.
However, Mars could easily un-tie and win his fourth Record of the Year Grammy as soon as next year due to his hit “Smokin Out the Window” with Silk Sonic partner Anderson .Paak.
SEE2022 Latin Grammys preview: Rosalia, Bad Bunny and more big names to expect at 23rd annual awards Bruno Mars
One of the biggest Grammy darlings in recent years has been Bruno Mars. The pop and R&b singer-songwriter has claimed 15 Grammys over his career so far, most of them in the past six years. Among those 15 Grammys, he has won three for Record of the Year, tying Paul Simon for the most wins by an artist.
However, Mars could easily un-tie and win his fourth Record of the Year Grammy as soon as next year due to his hit “Smokin Out the Window” with Silk Sonic partner Anderson .Paak.
- 7/19/2022
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
In documentary My Name is Lopez, the life and work of the Mexican-American singer, who fought hard to retain his name and identity, is celebrated
In the 1950s and 60s, nearly every singer of Latin descent who pined to become a star in the US or UK had to eradicate any trace of ethnicity from their name. Thus, Richard Valenzuela became Ritchie Valens, Domingo Samudio morphed into Sam the Sham, Baldemar Huerta reimagined himself as Freddy Fender, and Florencia Cardona simply became Vikki Carr. In the most extreme example, a five-man Chicano band led by Rudy Martinez wound up hiding under the anonymous moniker Question Mark and The Mysterians before releasing their garage-rock classic 96 Tears.
Given all that, the choices Trini Lopez made about his moniker back then seem especially principled and brave. “Trini said to the world, ‘This is my heritage. I’m Mexican and there’s no reason...
In the 1950s and 60s, nearly every singer of Latin descent who pined to become a star in the US or UK had to eradicate any trace of ethnicity from their name. Thus, Richard Valenzuela became Ritchie Valens, Domingo Samudio morphed into Sam the Sham, Baldemar Huerta reimagined himself as Freddy Fender, and Florencia Cardona simply became Vikki Carr. In the most extreme example, a five-man Chicano band led by Rudy Martinez wound up hiding under the anonymous moniker Question Mark and The Mysterians before releasing their garage-rock classic 96 Tears.
Given all that, the choices Trini Lopez made about his moniker back then seem especially principled and brave. “Trini said to the world, ‘This is my heritage. I’m Mexican and there’s no reason...
- 4/19/2022
- by Jim Farber
- The Guardian - Film News
In honor of Olympia Dukakis, we take an in-depth look at this film that she helped make a classic
From the family gatherings in the kitchen to the kooky nicknames and Drama Queen reactions to just about everything, “Moonstruck” hits the Italian-American personality out of the park. On the 30th anniversary of the film that brought Cher, Olympia Dukakis and screenwriter John Patrick Shanley Academy Awards and producer/director Norman Jewison nominations, I – a full-blooded Italian from both sides of the family – take a look at the Italian-inspired details that make it a classic.
DeanMartin.com
Dean Martin
“Moonstruck” opens with the quintessential Italian song (“That’s Amore”) sung by the quintessential Italian crooner (Dean Martin). Any song that pays tribute to pasta fazool and falling in love, And has the lyrics “tippy-tippy-tay” is Ok by me.
MGM
Romance never dies
A single red rose melts Loretta’s pragmatic shroud, Cosmos...
From the family gatherings in the kitchen to the kooky nicknames and Drama Queen reactions to just about everything, “Moonstruck” hits the Italian-American personality out of the park. On the 30th anniversary of the film that brought Cher, Olympia Dukakis and screenwriter John Patrick Shanley Academy Awards and producer/director Norman Jewison nominations, I – a full-blooded Italian from both sides of the family – take a look at the Italian-inspired details that make it a classic.
DeanMartin.com
Dean Martin
“Moonstruck” opens with the quintessential Italian song (“That’s Amore”) sung by the quintessential Italian crooner (Dean Martin). Any song that pays tribute to pasta fazool and falling in love, And has the lyrics “tippy-tippy-tay” is Ok by me.
MGM
Romance never dies
A single red rose melts Loretta’s pragmatic shroud, Cosmos...
- 5/2/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Actress, activist, Voto Latino co-founder and queen Rosario Dawson is set to host the inaugural Confab W from content producer Ingeñuity and AARP. The free two-day virtual event will celebrate Latinas during Women’s History Month and will livestream on March 30 and 31 at 8pm Est.
The first annual Confab W is designed as a series of shows and vignettes featuring dynamic conversation, music, spoken word, and comedy — all revealing inspiring secrets of life success, recognizing extraordinary Latina stories of achievement, and celebrating “herstory” milestones and significant moments in time.
The event will include appearances from pop culture queen Charo, American musical icon Vikki Carr, Latin Grammy Winner Gaby Moreno, among others.
“Women play very important roles in the Hispanic community. From taking care of their families in multigenerational homes to serving our country, their contributions are invaluable, said Yvette Peña, VP of Hispanic/Latino Audience Strategy, Office of Diversity,...
The first annual Confab W is designed as a series of shows and vignettes featuring dynamic conversation, music, spoken word, and comedy — all revealing inspiring secrets of life success, recognizing extraordinary Latina stories of achievement, and celebrating “herstory” milestones and significant moments in time.
The event will include appearances from pop culture queen Charo, American musical icon Vikki Carr, Latin Grammy Winner Gaby Moreno, among others.
“Women play very important roles in the Hispanic community. From taking care of their families in multigenerational homes to serving our country, their contributions are invaluable, said Yvette Peña, VP of Hispanic/Latino Audience Strategy, Office of Diversity,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
ce.In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to singer and actress Linda Eder about Barbra Streisand's 1965 album 'My Name is Barbra.' They also discuss Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Whitney Houston, Glenn Close, Frank Wildhorn, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel,' Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'Sunset Boulevard,' Eydie Gorm, Michael Bubl, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, 'Annie Get Your Gun,' Vikki Carr, Eileen Farrell, Betty Buckley and 'Hello, Dolly' Known for her powerhouse vocals that have drawn comparisons to Streisand, Linda has performed in concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall. She has also performed on Broadway, where she originated the role of Lucy in 'Jekyll Hyde,' for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.
- 1/13/2020
- by Ben Rimalower
- BroadwayWorld.com
By Darren Allison
“The Silencers” – Elmer Bernstein
It’s always great to see a classic soundtrack album receive its debut on CD, and Elmer Bernstein’s stylish Matt Helm score The Silencers (CDLK4573) is no exception. Dean Martin’s campy but hugely enjoyable spy capers were made during a successful period of spy-time, when Bond, Flint and numerous other secret agents were dominant in cinema entertainment. Bernstein’s jazzy, cool and deliciously infectious score ticks all the desired boxes. Bernstein fills the soundscape with big brass and fast percussion, most of which are laced with a hip, Latin beat. The composer provides plenty of swing, but it’s never without an underlying sense of fun, a playfulness throughout which perfectly mirrors Helm’s on screen exploits. Aside from Bernstein’s score, the two vocal tracks sung by Vikki Carr (co-written by Mack David) ‘The Silencers’ and ‘Santiago’ also offer a sassy sense of relevant glitz.
“The Silencers” – Elmer Bernstein
It’s always great to see a classic soundtrack album receive its debut on CD, and Elmer Bernstein’s stylish Matt Helm score The Silencers (CDLK4573) is no exception. Dean Martin’s campy but hugely enjoyable spy capers were made during a successful period of spy-time, when Bond, Flint and numerous other secret agents were dominant in cinema entertainment. Bernstein’s jazzy, cool and deliciously infectious score ticks all the desired boxes. Bernstein fills the soundscape with big brass and fast percussion, most of which are laced with a hip, Latin beat. The composer provides plenty of swing, but it’s never without an underlying sense of fun, a playfulness throughout which perfectly mirrors Helm’s on screen exploits. Aside from Bernstein’s score, the two vocal tracks sung by Vikki Carr (co-written by Mack David) ‘The Silencers’ and ‘Santiago’ also offer a sassy sense of relevant glitz.
- 3/6/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
For over 20 years, Dan Savage has been dishing out sex and relationship advice to anyone that cares to listen. So when MTV asked him to hit the road and take his hard-hitting advice to college campuses across the U.S., it seemed like a natural fit for the outspoken columnist.
From learning how to build a committed relationship to safely navigating online dating and one night stands, to kinks and fetishes, no topic was off-limits for Savage during the filming of "Savage U." However, that doesn't mean he wasn't shocked by some of the questions he received. University of California, Irvine was especially memorable for the It Gets Better co-creator.
"The questions there blew my mind -- not because they were so crazy or dirty, but because they were so innocent," Savage told HuffPost TV via phone. "It was like getting questions for Archie and Jughead."
On Tuesday night's "Savage U" season finale,...
From learning how to build a committed relationship to safely navigating online dating and one night stands, to kinks and fetishes, no topic was off-limits for Savage during the filming of "Savage U." However, that doesn't mean he wasn't shocked by some of the questions he received. University of California, Irvine was especially memorable for the It Gets Better co-creator.
"The questions there blew my mind -- not because they were so crazy or dirty, but because they were so innocent," Savage told HuffPost TV via phone. "It was like getting questions for Archie and Jughead."
On Tuesday night's "Savage U" season finale,...
- 6/19/2012
- by Crystal Bell
- Huffington Post
American Idol is introducing a new and intriguing theme on Wednesday: “Now & Then” Night will find the Season 10 Top 5 tackling two numbers apiece, “one current song and one from the 1960s,” according to a press release from Fox. I’m stoked that the producers are planning to pack 10 individual performances into the 90-minute telecast, and I’m not at all minding a mix of classic and modern, either. Check out my dream set list below, then brainstorm some ideas of your own in the comments. And for all my Idol news and commentary, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV!
Slezak’s...
Slezak’s...
- 5/2/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
I have to confess my age in writing this particular review, because Johnny Carson was off the air by the time I was watching late night television (or rather, watching and appreciating it). For my generation, the names headlining the late night shows were and, with a little bit of controversy, remain Jay Leno and David Letterman. In my case, I had to familiarize myself with Carson through YouTube clips years after he’d retired. Tonight, the most complete compilation of episode’s from Carson’s 30-year-long career as host, starts 4 years into his career (1965) and spans up to 1990 (4 years short of his final bow) in a 15-disc set featuring some great moments and some of the best guest appearances (with a particular focus on comedians for this set, it would seem). It’s doubtful we’ll ever see a full set, just because the undertaking of committing that much...
- 1/24/2011
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Being engaged to an NHL player doesn't stop country crooner Carrie Underwood to get the honor to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl. CBS along with NFL have announced on Thursday, January 28 that the "American Idol" alum will be singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" as a part of the Super Bowl Xliv pre-game show at the Sun Life Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 7.
The 26-year-old crooner, who recently got engaged to Ottawa Senators center Mike Fisher, joins other famous performers who had lent their voices to sung the U.S. national anthem before. She is now listed alongside those like Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson.
Joining Underwood at the pre-game show is Queen Latifah. The "Valentine's Day" actress will belt out "America the Beautiful". She joins Vikki Carr, Ray Charles, Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony, Alicia Keys...
The 26-year-old crooner, who recently got engaged to Ottawa Senators center Mike Fisher, joins other famous performers who had lent their voices to sung the U.S. national anthem before. She is now listed alongside those like Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson.
Joining Underwood at the pre-game show is Queen Latifah. The "Valentine's Day" actress will belt out "America the Beautiful". She joins Vikki Carr, Ray Charles, Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony, Alicia Keys...
- 1/29/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
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