Jack Elliott Biography

Jack Elliott, a well-known musical composer, arranger and producer, was born Irwin Elliott Zucker on August 6, 1927 in Hartford, Connecticut and died on August 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California.

To say that Jack Elliott was a versatile and talented musical composer, arranger and producer would be an understatement. Blessed with an acclaimed career spanning nearly four decades, his name has become synonymous with music in virtually every medium - from live performances to film to television and recorded music. Elliott was co-founder and music director of the American Jazz Philharmonic (formerly the New American Orchestra) and creator of the Henry Mancini Institute. His professional repertoire is diverse and accomplished, highlighted by stints as music director for the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and the 1984 Summer Olympics. In addition, he holds the distinction of serving as music director of the GRAMMY Awards for 30 consecutive years.

He had an accomplished career in film, scoring numerous hit movies, including "Sibling Rivalry," "The Jerk," "Oh God!" and "Where's Poppa." He also produced the "Blade Runner" soundtrack album with the New American Orchestra.

His musical journey began after graduation from the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music. He continued his post-graduate studies in composition with Arnold Franchetti, Isadore Freed, Bohuslav Martinu and Lukas Foss, but it was Judy Garland who brought Elliott to California to become an arranger for her television show.

Elliott continued his run in television as music director for Andy Williams' long running series and later produced and conducted the NBC television special "Live From Studio 8H: 100 Years of America's Popular Music." Fans of the hit series "Night Court," "Barney Miller" and "Charlie's Angels" are well-acquainted with his music for television. He is listed in New Grove's Dictionary of American Music and was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music.

He served as Music Director of the Henry Mancini Institute until his untimely passing in August 2001.

Husband of Barbara Gershon Elliott, father of Alan Elliott, Jonathan Elliott and Joanna Elliott, grandfather of Elliot Jack Wechsler.