Born April 4, 1922; New York, NY
Died August 8, 2004; Ojai, CA
Magnificent Seven

COMPOSED

1960; 38 years old

Elmer Bernstein, an American composer and conductor, left an indelible mark on the realms of film and television with a career spanning over five decades. Renowned for crafting some of the most iconic themes in Hollywood history, he composed over 150 original film scores and contributed to nearly 80 television productions. Bernstein’s talent earned him accolades, including an Academy Award for Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), a Primetime Emmy Award, seven Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, and two Tony Award nominations.

His vast repertoire includes scores for a diverse array of films, such as The Magnificent Seven (1960), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), The Great Escape (1963), True Grit (1969), and Far from Heaven (2002). Bernstein’s comedic touch is evident in films like Animal House (1978), Ghostbusters (1984), and Three Amigos (1986). He forged lasting collaborations with esteemed directors like Martin Scorsese, John Landis, and Ivan Reitman, contributing to the success of cinematic classics. Bernstein’s profound influence on the film industry endures through the enduring melodies that have become synonymous with Hollywood’s golden era.