Biography
Mort Lindsey (born Morton Lippman) was an American composer, orchestrator, pianist, conductor and musical director. Born in Newark, New Jersey, on 21 March 1923, he attended Newark Arts High School, served in the US Army Air Forces during the Second World War, and earned degrees from Columbia University.
Lindsey worked as a staff pianist for NBC in New York and later as musical director for The Merv Griffin Show from 1965 to 1986. He served as conductor for Judy Garland’s 1961 Carnegie Hall concert and for Barbra Streisand’s Central Park concert, winning an Emmy for the latter. His film scores include Gay Purr-ee (1962), The Best Man (1964) and Real Life (1979); he also orchestrated The Birdcage (1996).
He died at his home in Malibu, California, on 4 May 2012.
