Ralph Burns
Ralph Burns was an influential American composer, arranger, and pianist born on June 29, 1922, in Newton, Massachusetts. He developed a passion for music early in life, beginning piano lessons at the age of seven. Burns further honed his musical skills at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he was influenced by the family of Frances Wayne, a prominent big-band singer of the 1940s.
Burns's career took off in the 1940s during the big band era. He initially worked as a pianist and arranger for Charlie Barnet's orchestra, where he composed notable pieces like "The Moose" and arranged "Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe." His work with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd as a pianist and arranger solidified his reputation. With Herman, Burns composed memorable works such as "Apple Honey," "Bijou," and "Summer Sequence," the latter of which helped launch Stan Getz's solo career.
Transitioning into film and theater, Burns became a renowned composer and arranger, earning two Academy Awards and a Tony Award for his contributions. He worked on Broadway musicals like "No Strings," "Funny Girl," and "Golden Boy," and orchestrated for films such as "Cabaret" and "All That Jazz." Burns's legacy is marked by his versatility and influence across multiple music genres, leaving a lasting impact on American music. He passed away on November 21, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, from complications of pneumonia and a stroke.
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