Introduction
Jeff Alexander (July 2, 1910 – December 23, 1989), also known as Myer Alexander, was an American conductor, arranger, and composer of film, radio and television scores.
Early years
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.
Radio
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". He directed the orchestra for Songs of George Byron, Arthur's Place, Thirty Minutes to Play, The Bill Goodwin Show, and the Borden Show.
He directed the chorus for The Star Theater, Great Moments in Music and (billed as Myer Alexander) the Goodman program. His Goodman group was called "the world's only Swing Chorus".
Career
Film
In 1947, he moved to Los Angeles and began writing film and, later, television scores. His first film project was the score for Shall We Dance, and he scored many of Elvis Presley's films, including Jailhouse Rock (1957), Kid Galahad (1962), Double Trouble (1967), Clambake (1967) and Speedway (1968). He also composed the scores to over 30 films, including The Tender Trap (1955), Ransom! (1956), The Wings of Eagles (1957), The Sheepman (1958), Party Girl (1958), The Mating Game (1959), The Gazebo (1959), All the Fine Young Cannibals (1960), The George Raft Story (1961), The Rounders (1965), Day of the Evil Gun (1968), Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) and Dirty Dingus Magee (1970).
Television
Alexander's many television credits include being musical director for Please Don't Eat the Daisies and 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.
Compositions
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.
Death
Alexander died of cancer, aged 79, at his home in Whidbey Island, Washington on December 23, 1989. He was survived by his daughter, Jill.