Jeff Alexander

American conductor, arranger, and composer of film, radio and television scores.

Born: July 2, 1910 – Died: December 23, 1989.

Career:

Born Myer Goodhue Alexander in Seattle, Washington, Alexander began performing in his teens as a singer and dancer in vaudeville productions. He then began playing piano and composing big band music. In 1939, he moved to New York City, where he arranged and composed music for radio programs, including Benny Goodman's Camel Caravan (as "Myer Alexander"), "The Lucky Strike Show" and "Amos 'n' Andy". In 1947, he moved to Los Angeles and began writing film and, later, television scores. He ultimately composed the scores to 35 films, including The Tender Trap (1955), Jailhouse Rock (1957), Kid Galahad (1962), and Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969). His many television credits include music for Family Affair, Julia, and Columbo. He wrote the song "Come Wander With Me" for an episode of The Twilight Zone in 1964; it was later used in the 2003 film The Brown Bunny.

In 1956, Alexander contributed the tone poems "Yellow" and "Brown" to the album Frank Sinatra Conducts Tone Poems of Color. He also composed a symphony and other classical pieces.

Alexander died of cancer in Whidbey Island, Washington on December 23, 1989.