STAR TREK, PERRY MASON, GUNSMOKE Composer Fred Steiner Dies (1923-2011)

Ain't It Cool News ^ | Jun 27, 2011 4:31:12 PM CDT | ScoreKeeper

[hoagy62]

Fred Steiner, composer of the iconic "Perry Mason" theme has passed away today. He was 88

Here is the story:

STAR TREK, PERRY MASON, GUNSMOKE Composer Fred Steiner Dies (1923-2011)

Published at:  Jun 27, 2011 4:31:12 PM CDT

ScoreKeeper here with news of the passing of Fred Steiner. There are different degrees of celebrity. Most film and television composers, while not known personally or perhaps even by name, are very well known by their work. This can be said of the prolific and talented Fred Steiner. If you read Ain't It Cool News chances are high that his music has touched your life in some way.

As one of the most prolific television composers in the business, Steiner is most regarded for his theme for PERRY MASON (1962-1966) as well as his episodic scores for hit TV series' including GUNSMOKE (1960-1965), RAWHIDE (1961-1964), ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE (1961-1964), and HOGAN'S HEROES (1965-1966),

As many shows as Steiner was attached to, the twenty-five episodes of STAR TREK (1966-1967) he composed and conducted music for, earn him his star on the Geek Walk of Fame.

On behalf of Ain't It Cool News I'd like to extend condelences to the Steiner family. May his music live forever!

If you'd like to read more about this great composer please check out this wonderfully written obituary by Jeff Bond.

Fred Steiner

[hoagy62]

Not only did he do "Perry Mason", but he also composed music for "Rocky and Bullwinkle", "Gunsmoke", "Rawhide", Hogan's Heroes", and "Star Trek (The Original Series)". You may not have known his name, but you have almost certainly heard his music growing up.

A salute to a talented man...

[hoagy62]

I appear to have goof the name. Can you correct it to “Steiner”, please? Thank you.

[ClearCase_guy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHqebO8aAc4&feature=related

[freedumb2003]

>> “Star Trek (The Original Series)”<<

But not the theme — that was Alexander Courage.

People who can see music in their mind and make it into something people can hear amaze me. Guys like Mike Post (the theme from Black Sheep Squadron is still one of the most amazing ever), more than over the top composers like John Williams or A. L. Webber.

Quincy Jones, who also did the same, is in a class by himself. I heard the most fascinating interview with him about 10 years ago when he talked about the mindset needed to do themes. He said he had to disassociate from his “regular” music friends (like Stevie Wonder).

But I generally stand in awe of artists of any kind anyway.

Prayers for the family of Mr. Seiner. We all want to leave a legacy and he clearly has a body of wonderful work.

[Admin Moderator]

We did that and also posted the article under your comment and corrected author name from “me” to ScoreKeeper.

In the future, keep this in mind

[hoagy62]

Thank you, most graciously!

[Steelers6]

We just lost James Arness (Marshall Matt Dillon) about a month ago. He was 88 as well so they came in together and went out together.

[jocon307]

RIP!

Those are 2 of my fave shows, Perry Mason (definitely could be my #1 fave, but I never had my faves do a death match thing to determine the top one) and Hogan’s Heros (oh my gosh how much do I love that show? So many cute guys! Bob Crane, also RIP although I know you did not live there).

I am getting old and I do not mind. I just hope the Lord grants me strength to get through whatever I need to get through.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.