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Nelson Riddle Biography

Birth Name:Nelson Smock Riddle

Birth Place:Oradell, New Jersey, United States

Profession Soundtrack, Music department, Actor

Fast Facts

  • In 1958, he was nominated for a Golden Laurel Award for Top Music Director
  • Started out working as a musician with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra
  • Was best known for his work as an arranger and composer
  • Would frequently collaborate with Ella Fitzgerald on various projects
  • In 1973, his book "Arranged by Nelson Riddle" was published
  • Worked as the music arranger for the song "Mona Lisa․"
  • In 1945, he was drafted into the U․S․ Army during World War II

Awards

  • 1955Primetime Emmy-Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Variety Program: nominated
  • 1956Primetime Emmy-Best Musical Contribution: nominated
  • 1958Golden Laurel-Top Music Director: nominated
  • 1958Primetime Emmy-Best Musical Contribution for Television: nominated
  • 1960Oscar-Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture: nominated
  • 1961Oscar-Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture: nominated
  • 1961Grammy-Best Soundtrack Album or Recording of Original Cast from a Motion Picture or TV: nominated
  • 1961Grammy-Best Soundtrack Album or Recording of Music Score from Motion Picture or Television: nominated
  • 1965Oscar-Best Music, Scoring of Music, Adaptation or Treatment: nominated
  • 1970Oscar-Best Music, Score of a Musical Picture (Original or Adaptation): nominated
  • 1975Oscar-Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation: winner