Composer Johnny Mandel, RIP

Johnny Mandel, Composer Who Wrote ‘MASH’ Theme Song, Dies at 94

https://variety.com/2020/music/news/johnny-mandel-dead-dies-composer-mash-1234694020/

 

Michael Buble on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MichaelBuble/status/1277815805816606720

Michael Feinstein on Facebook:

Michael Feinstein

 

His work with Diana Krall and Shirley Horn (who come to mind immediately) is exquisite.

R.I.P. Mr. Mandel

 

He also worked with many other jazz artists as well including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Count Basie, and Diane Schurr.

 

R.I.P. Mr.Mandel

 

He gave us many treasures. Just a few...
The Shadow of Your Smile.
Emily.
Mexican Breakfast(from Harper).
The Shining Sea(from The Russians Are Coming,The Russians Are Coming).
A Time For Love.
You Are There.-Heartbreaking lyrics by Dave Frishberg.
Where Do You Start?
M*A*S*H.

 

Sometimes you see a posting for someone passing and you have no clue who that person is. Sometimes you see a name, like Johnny Mandel, and recognize it but might not be very familiar with their work. I just used Discogs and did a search for Johnny Mandel in my Collection. I was surprised both that 14 albums show up where he is credited and the diversity of music involved. There is a number of Jazz albums from the likes of Big John Patton, Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell and Wes Montgomery. There is pop/rock albums by Ricky Lee Jones, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell and the one that most surprised me The Friends Of Dean Martinez. I'm not sure exactly what the credits are for on each of the 14 albums I have that Mandel had participated in whether it be as a writer, arranger or performer but it certainly speaks to me of a diversity I was not aware of. Blessing to all his family and friends and fans. RIP

 

RIP Johnny, thanks for the great Sinatra arrangement on the song ‘Ring A Ding Ding’, among others.
That one gets me going, I’ll always love it.

 

Johnny's true masterpiece:

 

Frank Sinatra’s first album for Reprise Records, arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel, released in 1961:

Ring-a-Ding-Ding! (50th Anniversary Edition) - YouTube playlist

 

Rest In Peace. Your music will stay forever!!

 

According to articles that I've been reading, they say that details of his death have not been released.

 

As Dean would say, "May the Good Lord take a likin' to ya, Johnny!"

He'd been in very poor health for some time. It is good to know that Johnny is finally at peace.

 

Mandel handled the string arrangements on Elvis Costello's album with Burt Bacharach "Painted From Memory". RIP.

 

Some more tributes from BBC including one from Diana Krall:

Tributes to 'genius' Mash composer Johnny Mandel

 

A complete legend. Rest in peace.

 

RIP. I will play his album with Shirley Horn with its wonderful surround mix tonight.

 

RIP. Enjoyed The Ring-a-Ding sessions with Sinatra.

 

The string section on Steely Dan's 1978 track "FM (No Static at All)" was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel. It adds an extra dimension to the song, especially during the instrumental break behind Pete Christlieb's tenor sax solo. RIP Mr. Mandel, thank you for the music.

 

He suffered from a heart ailment:

Johnny Mandel, composer who gave ‘M.A.S.H.’ its theme song, dies at 94

https://www.washingtonpost.com/loca...f2f5ea-bac5-11ea-8cf5-9c1b8d7f84c6_story.html

 

Frank Sinatra - The Making of "Silent Night" (2004)

Arranged by Johnny Mandel:

 

Tony Bennett on Twitter:

Twitter

Alan Alda on Twitter:

Twitter

ASCAP president and songwriter Paul Williams: "Giant. Genius. Gentleman. There are many ways to describe the legendary composer Johnny Mandel. His incredible music spanned decades, mediums, oceans and firmly established him in the American Songbook canon. I had the great honor of witnessing his unique gifts personally when we co-wrote a song 'Close Enough for Love.' I cherish that experience. Johnny proudly served his fellow music creators on the ASCAP Board for many years and his work paved the way for future generations of songwriters and composers to pursue a life in music as he had. He was a true jazz spirit and that spirit will live on in his music and in our hearts for eternity."