Charles Fox
Charles Ira Fox, born on October 30, 1940, in New York City, is a renowned American composer known for his extensive work in film and television music. Raised in The Bronx, Fox was the son of Mollie and Walter Fox, a Jewish immigrant from Poland. He pursued his passion for music from a young age, studying jazz piano with Lennie Tristano and furthering his education in composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. He also studied electronic music at Columbia University under Vladimir Ussachevsky.
Fox's career began in New York City's vibrant Latin music scene, where he played piano and arranged music for legends such as Ray Barretto, Joe Quijano, and Tito Puente. He also wrote theme music and arrangements for Skitch Henderson and The Tonight Show Orchestra. His prolific career includes composing music for over 100 motion pictures and television films, with notable works such as "Barbarella," "Nine to Five," "Goodbye Columbus," and "Foul Play," the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination.
Fox is perhaps best known for his television theme songs, including those for "The Love Boat," "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Wonder Woman," "The Paper Chase," "Wide World of Sports," and "Monday Night Football." His collaboration with lyricist Norman Gimbel produced the Grammy-winning hit "Killing Me Softly with His Song," famously recorded by Roberta Flack and later by the Fugees.
In addition to his work in popular music, Fox has composed for the concert hall and ballet, including the ballet "A Song for Dead Warriors" and "Zorro!" His contributions to music have been recognized with two Emmy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. Fox continues to influence the music world with his diverse compositions and collaborations.
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