Multiple Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer whose numerous plush, tuneful, often jazzy scores of the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s were often more memorable than the films and TV shows for which they were written. Mancini began his career as a pianist-arranger for the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Tex Beneke after WWII and from 1952 to 1958 worked on more than 100 films as staff composer for Universal Pictures. In 1958 Mancini reached a career-changing landmark when he provided the hard-boiled, jazzy theme for Blake Edwards' "Peter Gunn" TV show. His feature film work, which had
Obtained first instrument, a piccolo, at age eight; later learned the flute and piano
1946
Joined Glenn Miller Band (under direction of Tex Beneke) as pianist and arranger
Went to work for Universal-International as staff composer where he wrote scores for over 100 films including "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954) for which he received his first Oscar nomination
1952
First film work, as uncredited arranger on the Abbott and Costello comedy, "Lost in Alaska"
1954
First film credit for title song, "Six Bridges to Cross" and for music adaptation and song, "The Glenn Miller Story"
