Biography

Hugo Winterhalter earned eleven Gold Records, a Grammy and a Cash Box Award during his lengthy career, at least as many if not more than any other conductor-arranger in the music business. Educated at Mount St. Mary's College and the New England Conservatory of Music, he taught in public schools and labored in railroad and other such jobs while performing in area dance bands including those led by Larry Clinton, Nye Mayhew and Jack Jenney, for whom he arranged "Stardust". By 1940 he had proven himself to be a talented arranger and composer, going on to write for Count Basie, Claude Thornhill, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Raymond Scott, Vaughn Monroe and others. At the conclusion of the 1940s, he has begun to assemble his orchestra with its unmistakable Winterhalter "sound". His first record - "Jealous Heart", with vocalist Johnny Thompson for Columbia - made the Top Ten in 1949, as did his second, "Blue Christmas". His last three Columbia releases also charted - "Music! Music! Music!" with 'Theresa Brewer' qv), "The Third Man Theme" and "My Foolish Heart". Moving to RCA Victor, the 1950 "Count Every Star" was also a huge hit and stayed on the charts for five months. One hit after another followed, some remaining on the surveys for months. His orchestra was among the first to record long-playing (LP) recordings. As musical director for the MGM, Columbia, and RCA Victor record labels, the Winterhalter orchestra and chorus also supported a number of top vocalists, including among others Eddie Fisher, Kay Starr, Perry Como, the Ames Brothers and Stuart Foster. Near the end of his career, he worked on Broadway and television and conducted symphonic programs across the country.
- IMDb mini biography by: Louis Rugani