# Alfred Newman

> American composer (1900-1970)

**Wikidata**: [Q367032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q367032)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Newman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alfred-newman

## Summary
Alfred Newman was an American composer and conductor, best known for his influential work in film scoring during Hollywood's Golden Age. As a prolific composer, he created iconic scores for over 200 films, earning nine Academy Awards and shaping the sound of classic cinema.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 17, 1900, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- **Died**: February 17, 1970, Hollywood, California, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Occupation**: Composer, conductor, film score composer
- **Known for**: Pioneering film scores, conducting orchestras, and contributing to the development of Hollywood's musical identity
- **Employer(s)**: 20th Century Fox, MGM Records, Capitol Records, Mercury Records
- **Field(s)**: Music composition, film scoring, orchestral conducting

## Contributions
Alfred Newman composed and conducted music for over 200 films, including classics like *How the West Was Won* (1962), *The Robe* (1953), and *The King and I* (1956). His work at 20th Century Fox established the studio’s signature fanfare, still used today. He won nine Academy Awards for his film scores and was nominated 45 times, making him one of the most decorated composers in Oscar history. Newman also conducted orchestras for major record labels like Capitol Records and Mercury Records, further cementing his influence in both film and recorded music.

## FAQs
**What is Alfred Newman best known for?**
Alfred Newman is best known for his pioneering work in film scoring, creating iconic soundtracks for over 200 films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. His compositions for films like *The Robe* and *The King and I* earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

**Which record labels did Alfred Newman work with?**
Newman collaborated with major record labels, including Capitol Records, Mercury Records, and MGM Records, conducting orchestras and producing recordings that expanded his influence beyond film.

**How many Academy Awards did Alfred Newman win?**
Alfred Newman won nine Academy Awards for his film scores and received 45 nominations, making him one of the most awarded composers in Oscar history.

**What was Alfred Newman’s role at 20th Century Fox?**
As the music director at 20th Century Fox, Newman composed the studio’s iconic fanfare and scored numerous films, shaping the studio’s musical identity and contributing to its legacy in cinema.

**Who were some of Alfred Newman’s contemporaries in film scoring?**
Newman worked alongside other notable composers such as Leigh Harline, Frank Churchill, George Bruns, and Buddy Baker, all of whom contributed to the development of film music during the mid-20th century.

## Why They Matter
Alfred Newman’s work revolutionized film scoring, establishing the emotional and narrative power of music in cinema. His compositions set the standard for orchestral film scores, influencing generations of composers. Without his contributions, the sound of classic Hollywood films would lack the depth and grandeur that defined the era. His legacy endures in the continued use of his fanfares and the enduring popularity of his film scores.

## Notable For
- **Academy Awards**: Won nine Oscars and received 45 nominations for film scoring.
- **20th Century Fox Fanfare**: Composed the iconic studio fanfare still used today.
- **Prolific Film Scoring**: Created scores for over 200 films, including *How the West Was Won* and *The King and I*.
- **Record Label Collaborations**: Worked with Capitol Records, Mercury Records, and MGM Records.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Honored with a star for his contributions to the film industry.
- **Influence on Film Music**: Shaped the orchestral sound of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Alfred Newman was born on March 17, 1900, in New Haven, Connecticut. He began his musical career as a conductor and composer, quickly gaining recognition for his talent. By the 1930s, he transitioned into film scoring, where he would make his most significant contributions.

### Film Scoring and Hollywood Impact
Newman’s work at 20th Century Fox defined the studio’s musical identity. He composed the studio’s iconic fanfare, which remains one of the most recognizable in cinema. His film scores, including those for *The Robe* (1953) and *The King and I* (1956), earned him critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards. Over his career, he scored over 200 films, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood’s Golden Age.

### Record Label Work
In addition to his film work, Newman collaborated with major record labels such as Capitol Records, Mercury Records, and MGM Records. His orchestral conducting and recordings expanded his influence beyond cinema, contributing to the broader music industry.

### Awards and Recognition
Newman’s contributions to film music were recognized with nine Academy Awards and 45 nominations, making him one of the most decorated composers in Oscar history. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.

### Legacy and Influence
Alfred Newman’s pioneering work in film scoring set the standard for orchestral compositions in cinema. His influence extended to generations of composers, including his nephew Randy Newman, who followed in his footsteps as a film composer. Newman’s scores continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, ensuring his lasting impact on film music.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/02/randy-newman-musical-family)
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6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1939)
7. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1941)
8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1944)
9. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1948)
10. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1953)
11. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1954)
12. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1956)
13. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1957)
14. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1968)
15. International Standard Name Identifier
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21. Croatian Encyclopedia
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23. IMDb
24. Find a Grave
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1964)
28. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1950)
29. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1960)
30. CONOR.SI
31. Autoritats UB
32. ISWC Network
33. [Source](https://simanaitissays.com/2022/01/07/those-musical-newmans-part-1/)
34. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
35. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/alfred-newman)