American Songbook Blogs

October 29, 1922 – October 11, 2008

Neal Hefti was a gifted trumpet player, having played with Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd Big Band, among others, but his man contributions to the American Songbook were as a much sought after arranger and composer. He did numerous arrangements and albums with Frank Sinatra, Harry James, Buddy Rich, Count Basie to name but a few (winning GRAMMY Awards with Basie). He composed exceptional, brilliant TV Show and movie themes including the ODD COUPLE show and his iconic BATMAN theme, as well as scores as well as movies like Sex and the Single Girl, Barefoot in the Park, Duel at Diablo and others. Neal’s most recognizable tunes include the iconic drum feature, Cute, Lil’ Darlin’, and the very popular, Girl Talk. Neal made an indelible mark on our American Songbook. And his son, Paul, a marvelous guitarist and vocalist, continues to carry on the Hefti Family Legacy with his own swinging ensemble. Happy Birthday Neal!