Walter Scharf
Film and television composer Walter Scharf was born August 1, 1910, in New York City; his mother, Bessie Zwerling, was among the most popular comediennes starring in the New York Yiddish Theater. He made his professional debut in 1930 in the orchestra of the George Gershwin musical Girl Crazy, and four years later relocated to Hollywood as the arranger for famed crooner Rudy Valleé. Scharf also tenured as an arranger for Al Jolson and Alice Faye before turning to film work, composing incidental music for a series of pictures without even receiving credit; in 1942, he earned the first of ten Academy Award nominations for his score to the melodrama Mercy Island. In the years to follow, he also notched Oscar nods for 1953's Hans Christian Andersen, 1968's Funny Girl, and 1972's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but never took home the prize. In 1973, he and writing partner Don Black did earn a Golden Globe for their work on the film Ben, with the Michael Jackson-sung title theme also becoming a Top Ten pop hit. Scharf also worked on no fewer than five Elvis Presley musicals. In television, he composed for series including The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Mission: Impossible, winning an Emmy Award for his efforts on behalf of National Geographic specials. He officially retired during the mid-'70s, but continued to compose, authoring the symphony The Tree Stands Still for Los Angeles' Stephen S. Wise Temple as well as some two hours of music for the eight-part 1979 TV miniseries Blind Ambition. In all, Scharf is estimated to have worked on some 250-odd film and TV productions. He died at his L.A. home on February 24, 2003, at the age of 92.
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Discography
14 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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The Geisha Boy
Film Soundtracks - Released by Photoplay Records on Aug 21, 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Harold Lloyd's World Of Comedy
Film Soundtracks - Released by Citadel - Mafy on Jun 2, 1991
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Trumpetina
Jazz - Released by Black & Partner Licenses LLC on Nov 29, 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Geisha Boy (Original Soundtrack) [1958]
Paramount Pictures Studio Orchestra
Film Soundtracks - Released by Classic Soundtrack Collector on Oct 10, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Express Yourself
Film Soundtracks - Released by sinderella on Dec 3, 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Thing
Film Soundtracks - Released by go back music on Feb 6, 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Nutty Professor (Soundtrack Suite)
Pop - Released by JB Production on Feb 24, 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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My Favorite Places
Pop - Released by SINETONE AMR on Jul 1, 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
My Favorite Places / Passion
Jazz - Released by Marmot Music on Jun 8, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Flapping Wings
Film Soundtracks - Released by Wings in Hell on Dec 30, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Rooftop Storys
Film Soundtracks - Released by golden times on Jul 15, 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Dreams By the Dozen (For Men Only)
Jazz - Released by SINETONE AMR on Jul 1, 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo