Dave Grusin

University of Colorado graduate David Grusin was still in his early 20s when he began building his reputation as one of the best performer/composer/arrangers in the field of progressive jazz and instrumental pop. Grusin provided piano accompaniment for Andy Williams when the latter was just starting out in the late 1950s; he remained with Williams on and off for over a decade, serving as orchestra leader for TV's The Andy Williams Show from 1963 to 1966. He also prepared arrangements for such artists as Benny Goodman, Quincy Jones and Paul Simon. In partnership with Larry Rosen, Grusin established his own recording label in 1983; that same year, he won the first of his five Grammy Awards and still found time to compose main theme and background music for TV's St Elsewhere. His motion-picture work has included scores for five Sydney Pollack Films. David Grusin won an Oscar for his score for The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), and has earned nominations for Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Champ (1979), My Bodyguard (1980), Tootsie (1981), The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) and The Firm (1993).

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide