Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith tune

Subject: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith t
From: GUEST,Chantal
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 08:22 AM

I wanted to mention the passing of composer Earle Hagen on May 26, 2008. While he was primarily known for his sultry "Harlem Nocturne" and scores for series like "I Spy" and his whistling Andy Griffith Show tune, many don't know that he was one of the first collectors of what's now called world music. His vast collection (obtained on his travels) and knowledge of ethnic music of all kinds colored much of what he wrote.

He was a wonderfully supportive man, and I was especially grateful for his encouragement in the project to remaster all the albums of Bud & Travis, presently for sale as a benefit to Travis Edmonson on his website at

www.travisedmonson.com

Earle Hagen will be missed by all who knew him, but his adept way of capturing Americana in his music will keep his memory ever alive.

Subject: RE: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith t
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 10:22 AM

I can't believe we didn't have this thread already! I have listened to several radio articles about him--he wrote some great theme music. Thanks for starting the discussion.

Here is a search at NPR on the pieces they ran recently.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith tuune
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 10:30 AM

Nice to learn more about him. Sad that he is gone, but oh what a lasting legacy he has left. Thank you for this thread.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith tuune
From: chantal
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:06 PM

Whoops! I forgot to include a "blue clicky thing" for those who were interested in the bud & Travis CDs.

Bud & Travis CDs

Subject: RE: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith tuune
From: GUEST,Joe Adams
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 03:28 PM

On four different occasions, African-American friends expressed total surprise when I told them that "Harlem Nocturne" was composed by a white man, Earle Hagen.   They expressed amazement that somehow his melody, his configuration of notes, the harmony, the tempo, the rhythm captured the essence of the black experience.   Another thing - this song remains fresh and young while we don't.   It was perfectly fitting that Earle used this composition of his 40 years later as his theme for "Mike Hammer".

Subject: RE: Obit: Earle Hagen, composer of Andy Griffith tuune
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 03:45 PM

I feel bad that I missed his passing completely. Great man, fine musician/composer..........."Harlem Nocturne" has been played well and badly by every aspiring young jazz sax player.

Spaw