Edward Brandt
Edward August Brandt, known professionally as Eddie Brandt, was an influential American composer, songwriter, television writer, and animator, born on August 5, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on February 20, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 90.
Brandt's early interest in film memorabilia began during his teenage years as a movie-theater usher in Chicago. His music career took off during World War II when he served as a radar specialist in the United States Navy and formed a band called Eddie Brandt and the Hollywood Hicks. He collaborated with notable artists such as Spike Jones, Spade Cooley, Eddie Cantor, and George Motola, creating popular songs like "Heaven Knows," "None but the Lonely Heart," and "Shortnin' Bread Rock."
After the war, Brandt moved to Hollywood and became involved in television, writing for shows like The Colgate Comedy Hour and The Spike Jones Show. In the 1960s, he worked with Bob Clampett on Beany and Cecil, contributing as a cartoonist, writer, composer, and voice performer. He later joined Hanna-Barbera, where he met his second wife, Claire, an animator, whom he married in 1968.
In addition to his work in music and television, Brandt was renowned for his North Hollywood store, Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee, which he and Claire opened in 1967. The store became famous for its extensive collection of videos and film memorabilia, making it a beloved destination for film enthusiasts.
Eddie Brandt's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by his contributions to music, television, and his passion for film history, which he shared through his iconic store. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and two sons.