Biographical Information

Joe Harnell was born on August 2, 1924 in the Bronx. His musical career began with piano studies at the age of six, and his professional career started at age 14 when he played jazz piano with name bands while he continued his serious musical studies. In high school he began arranging music and studying orchestral instruments, and he received a scholarship to the University of Miami majoring in music. In 1943 Joe Harnell entered the Air Force and soon began touring with the Glenn Miller Air Force Band, serving both in the United States and in Europe. While still in the service, he studied composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, and then with William Walton in London at the Trinity College of Music. After returning to the United States and receiving his discharge from the Air Force in 1946, Mr. Harnell resumed his professional life as a pianist and arranger and began a new career as musical director for many celebrated singers including Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine, Marlene Dietrich, Pearl Bailey, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Beverly Sills and Peggy Lee. Shortly thereafter he became a recording artist himself, and to date has recorded 18 albums - among them FLY ME TO THE MOON, winner of four Grammy Awards, The Yamaha Artist release MEMORY OF A DREAM is a collection of his solo piano work.

During the summers of 1949-1951, Joe Harnell continued his studies in composition with Aaron Copland at Tanglewood. For three years he held the post of musical director with Grey Advertising, and from 1967 to 1973 he was the musical director for the popular MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW. Moving to California in the early 1970's, he returned to composition, emerging as a celebrated composer of film and television music.

To date, Joe Harnell has been nominated for an Emmy Award on three different occasions for Best Dramatic Score. He has composed over 400 hours of original music for motion pictures and for such television shows as SANTA BARBARA, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE BIONIC WOMAN, ALIEN NATION and "V." Mr. Harnell also has done several television commercials for Japan, one of which was awarded the Japanese equivalent of a CLIO. The music from these commercials has also been released on full-length recordings performed by Mel Torme, Anita O'Day, Crystal Gayle, Marlena Shaw and other noted artists.

Joe Harnell with Yoko Ono and John Lennon

Joe was the American representative judging the Voice of Asia International Music Competition which was held in Russia. Together with his orchestra and singers, Mr. Harnell starred in a sold-out tour of the United States in the Columbia Concerts production of Cole Porter's 100th Birthday Party, as soloist and musical director. He was the producer, musical director and conductor for the Israel Founders Orchestra Gala for the Jewish National Fund at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles. He has recently completed composing the score for the television movie, MENGELE. Last year Joe was Musical Director for the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival in Newport News, Virginia, Ella's birthplace. Renowned musicians from all over the U.S., as well as students from local schools and universities participated in the program. Joe produced a documentary film which was shown during festival week, in which he interviewed personal and professional colleagues who had been closely involved with Ella. He continued his concert appearances as a pianist/conductor in addition to his activities as a lecturer and teacher of film scoring at the USC FLORA THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

On July 14th, 2005 Joe Harnell passed away of heart failure. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends and all those who loved his music for both jazz and film.