Yahoo Lifestyle Marvin Laird, Broadway and Film Composer and Conductor, Dies at 85
Marvin Laird, the award-winning Broadway and film composer who also conducted concerts for big stars like Diana Ross and Bernadette Peters, died Monday in Connecticut from natural causes. He was 85.
Laird participated in various hits on stage and the big screen. Among the most notable Broadway shows he conducted are “Annie,” “Get Your Gun,” “Gipsy” and “Follies.” His stage presence went beyond Broadway, conducting concerts for like Joel Grey, Cass Elliot, Dusty Springfield, and Goldie Hawn. He also composed the dance music for the ballet “Smile with My Heart” and the score for “Ruthless! The Musical” alongside Joel Paley who wrote the book and lyrics. Laird and Paley later went on to become partners in marriage.
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As for film credits, Laird wrote the dance music for “Hello, Dolly!” starring Barbra Streisand, “New York, New York,” starring Liza Minnelli and Robert DeNiro, and Robert Altman’s “The Company.” He scored popular TV shows including, “Dynasty” and “The Love Boat.”
Peters, whose concerts Laird composed, commented, “My beloved Marvin had impeccable style, a delicious sense of humor, and his generous spirit made everyone he worked with fall in love with him.” She continued to express her gratitude for his craft and influence, “I was a major beneficiary of Marvin’s genius and generosity of support and love.”
Laird was born on Oct 26, 1939 in Kansas City. He is survived by his husband Joel Paley, his brother Larry Lee, his sister-in-law Jeanne Laird and his nieces Lana Whittaker and Lynnette Norcross.
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