David Amram

Date of Birth: November 17, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

David Amram is an American composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, and author, renowned for his versatility and contributions to various music genres, including classical, jazz, and world music. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Amram displayed musical talent from a young age and went on to study at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. His career blossomed in the 1950s when he became a key figure in the New York jazz scene, collaborating with legendary artists such as Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. In addition to jazz, Amram is celebrated for his classical compositions, which include concertos, operas, and orchestral works. One of his most notable achievements was his appointment as the first composer-in-residence for the New York Philharmonic in 1966, a position created specifically for him by Leonard Bernstein. Amram’s influence extends beyond composition; he is also an accomplished conductor and author. His books, including “Vibrations: The Adventures and Musical Times of David Amram” and “Offbeat: Collaborating with Kerouac,” offer insights into his dynamic career and his collaborations with iconic figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

5 Interesting Facts about David Amram

1. David Amram is proficient in over 35 instruments, including the piano, French horn, and various ethnic flutes and percussion instruments.

2. He composed the scores for several notable films, including “Splendor in the Grass” (1961) and “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962).

3. Amram had a longstanding collaboration with Beat Generation writers, particularly Jack Kerouac, with whom he performed jazz-poetry readings.

4. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award in 2011.

5. Amram’s commitment to education is evident through his numerous workshops, masterclasses, and lectures at institutions around the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Amram

1. “The best way to learn is to do; the worst way to teach is to talk.”

2. “Good music is good no matter what kind of music it is.”

3. “When you’re improvising, you’re always in the moment.”

4. “Music is the one thing that can bring people together, no matter what language they speak.”

5. “The joy of creating is the joy of life itself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Amram’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

David Amram has three children: Adam, Alana, and Adira Amram. Adam is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist, Alana is a singer and songwriter, and Adira is a comedian and performer.