Composer Albert Harris dies at 88

February 14, 2005

By Musicians Local 802

Albert Harris, 88, an orchestrator, composer and pianist, and a member of Local 802 since 1938, died on Jan. 14.

Mr. Harris was born in London and went to the United States in 1936. In 1942 he moved to Los Angeles where he lived until 1992 when he retired to New Zealand.

He studied piano from age 6 and was also a self-taught guitarist; his knowledge of this instrument enabled him in later years to compose pieces specifically for guitar. His "Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel" was recorded by Andres Segovia and his "Sonatina" was recorded by Laurindo Almeida. Carlos Barbosa Lima commissioned his "Concertino de California" for guitar and string quartet; in 1979, it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. (It was released on CD in 1993 by Concord.)

While playing piano in big bands across the U.S. he began studying at New York University’s College of Music where he earned a doctorate in music in 1944.

Mr. Harris was for three years assistant music director at NBC’s Los Angeles studios. He was also the professor of orchestration at UCLA.

"Music Service Incorporated" (MSI) was formed by Mr. Harris and two colleagues (one of whom was Nelson Riddle) and was responsible for the music for four TV Shows: "Mary Tyler Moore — Dick Van Dyke Show," "Ray Bolger Show," "Danny Thomas Show," and "Andy Griffith Show."

He was music director for Barbra Streisand on the TV special "Barbra and Other Instruments," music orchestrator and arranger for Cher’s album "Bittersweet Moonlight" and was music arranger for Roberta Flack for appearances in Hollywood.

Mr. Harris was the composer and conductor for Quinn Martin Productions, specifically "Cannon," "Barnaby Jones," "Streets of San Francisco" and "FBI."

Over a period of 30 years, Mr. Harris was employed by all the major film studios as a renowned orchestrator and composer.

A popular teacher and lecturer in Los Angeles, he was invited to speak at the Santa Barbara Academy of the West by Darius Milhaud. While he was president of the American Society of Music Arrangers (a post he held from 1989-91), he co-lectured at a composer’s workshop with Henry Mancini.

He is survived by his wife Diane Harris and sister Bette Friedman.