Nelson Riddle

Nelson Riddle (June 1, 1921 - October 6, 1985) was a well-known American bandleader, arranger and orchestrator whose career spanned from the late 1940s until the mid 1970s. Riddle is perhaps best known for his 1950s work for Capitol Records, providing jazzy big-band style arrangements to back such vocalists as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. However, his work also spanned into film and television scores, a 1970s collaboration with Linda Ronstadt, and conducting for the inaugural balls of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Riddle died in 1985, and is buried in the Hollywood Forever Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Notable Song Arrangements

"I've Got You Under My Skin" (for Frank Sinatra)

"Night and Day" (for Frank Sinatra)

"Witchcraft" (for Frank Sinatra)

Notable Film and Television Work

"Route 66" (theme song earned Riddle a Top 40 single in 1962)

"The Great Gatsby" (earned Riddle a 1974 Academy Award)

"Li'l Abner" (one of Riddle's first film scores)