Elmer Bernstein

Date of Birth: April 4, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 18, 2004

Biography

Elmer Bernstein was an American composer and conductor best known for his work in film and television scoring. Over his prolific career spanning more than five decades, he composed music for a wide variety of genres, earning acclaim for his versatility and distinctive musical style. Born in New York City, Bernstein initially pursued a career as a concert pianist before shifting his focus to composing. He made his mark in Hollywood with his scores for iconic films such as “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Ten Commandments,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Ghostbusters,” and “The Great Escape.” His work earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, an Emmy, and multiple Grammy nominations. Bernstein also contributed to the world of theater, composing for Broadway productions. His influence on the music industry and film scoring remains substantial, and his compositions continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and innovation.

5 Interesting Facts about Elmer Bernstein

1. Elmer Bernstein was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for allegedly having communist ties, which temporarily halted his Hollywood career.

2. He was a student of famed composers Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions.

3. Bernstein won an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score for his work on the film “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 1967.

4. He composed the iconic fanfare for the National Geographic television specials.

5. Bernstein was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elmer Bernstein

1. “I believe that the way you treat people in life is more important than the work you do.”

2. “The thing about music for the theater is that it has to serve the play.”

3. “I’ve always been interested in trying to reach people in a way that they understand and feel.”

4. “Every score I write is a new experience, a new challenge.”

5. “Music is the one element that can make a film timeless.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Elmer Bernstein’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Elmer Bernstein had two children, Peter Bernstein, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a composer, and Emilie Bernstein, who is a writer and film producer.