Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Neal Hefti, composer and arranger for the jazz orchestras of Woody Herman and Count Basie, and creator of the theme for the ‘60s television show “Batman,” died Saturday of undetermined causes at his home in Toluca Lake, Calif. He was 85.
Hefti began his music career as a trumpeter with Charlie Barnet’s band. Influenced by the bebop style of players like Dizzy Gillespie, Hefti developed a reputation as an influential arranger and composer for fellow jazz artists. He began working with Woody Herman’s orchestra in the mid-‘40s, composing tunes like “Apple Honey” and “Wild Root.” He is often credited with shifting the swing orchestra’s style towards bebop.
By the late ‘40s, Hefti left playing to concentrate on composing, recording with his own studio band. Popular recordings like Repetition, which featured Charlie Parker, and Coral Reef, led Hefti to form his own touring band for a few years in the 1950s.
His compositions for the Count Basie band in the 1950s were among his most famous, which include tunes like “Cute,” “Little Darlin’” and “Splanky.”
Hefti found success in the 1960s writing television and film scores that included Neil Simon’s “Barefoot In The Park” and “Last Of The Red Hot Lovers,” and the themes for both versions of “The Odd Couple.” He received his only Grammy award in 1966 for penning the “Batman” theme. By then, Hefti was an in-demand composer and arranger, working with artists like Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Doris Day and Tony Bennett.
Born into a musical family from Hastings, Neb., Hefti received a trumpet for Christmas at age 10, which he was said to have taken to immediately. He won several prizes in school competitions and began writing arrangements for dance bands while still in high school.
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
