Claude Thornhill

American pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader.

Born August 10, 1908, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA. Died July 1, 1965, Caldwell, New Jersey, USA. Married to [a=Ruth Thornhill], who wrote the lyrics to their song "Snowfall".

Thornhill composed the jazz and pop standards "Snowfall" and "I Wish I Had You". His orchestra charted three times and he charted twice as a songwriter (1938-1951). His top hit with his orchestra was "Snowfall", which hit #20 in the U.S. in 1941. "Autumn Nocturne" also landed at #20 for the group in 1941. His top songwriting song was "Fare Thee Well, Annie Laurie" by Gene Krupa and His Orchestra in 1938. It was co-written by Benny Krueger & Mitchell Parish.

Thornhill collaborated often with arranger [a=Gil Evans].