Broadway orchestrator, arranger, conductor
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Key moments and achievements from Harold Wheeler's life.
Harold was born
· New York City, New York, United States
Professional Milestone
Wheeler was hired by Burt Bacharach to conduct the musical 'Promises, Promises' after being heard during an audition. This opportunity launched his Broadway career and established him as the youngest conductor on Broadway. It marked his transition from a rehearsal pianist to a major theatrical leader.
Professional Milestone
Wheeler was hired by Burt Bacharach to conduct the musical 'Promises, Promises' after being heard during an audition. This opportunity launched his Broadway career and established him as the youngest conductor on Broadway. It marked his transition from a rehearsal pianist to a major theatrical leader.
Album Production
Wheeler served as the musical director for Nina Simone’s album 'Here Comes the Sun.' This project showcased his ability to work as a record producer and arranger outside of the theatrical world. It remains a significant entry in his discography of recordings and television work.
Album Production
Wheeler served as the musical director for Nina Simone’s album 'Here Comes the Sun.' This project showcased his ability to work as a record producer and arranger outside of the theatrical world. It remains a significant entry in his discography of recordings and television work.
Production
Wheeler provided orchestrations for 'The Wiz' and collaborated with Michael Bennett on 'A Chorus Line.' For the latter, he is credited with writing the number 'The Music in the Mirror.' These productions helped define the soulful and precise sound he would become known for in the industry.
Production
Wheeler provided orchestrations for 'The Wiz' and collaborated with Michael Bennett on 'A Chorus Line.' For the latter, he is credited with writing the number 'The Music in the Mirror.' These productions helped define the soulful and precise sound he would become known for in the industry.
Production
Continuing his collaboration with Michael Bennett, Wheeler provided the orchestrations for this landmark musical. The show became a major commercial hit and a cornerstone of his career. It further established his role as a primary architect of the sound of landmark Black musical theater works.
Production
Continuing his collaboration with Michael Bennett, Wheeler provided the orchestrations for this landmark musical. The show became a major commercial hit and a cornerstone of his career. It further established his role as a primary architect of the sound of landmark Black musical theater works.
Award Ceremony
Wheeler won a Drama Desk Award for his work on the hit musical 'Hairspray.' The production was a major commercial success and demonstrated his ability to master pop-perfection orchestrations. This award served as peer recognition for his continued impact on the Broadway sound.
Award Ceremony
Wheeler won a Drama Desk Award for his work on the hit musical 'Hairspray.' The production was a major commercial success and demonstrated his ability to master pop-perfection orchestrations. This award served as peer recognition for his continued impact on the Broadway sound.
Award Ceremony
The Tony Awards presented Wheeler with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. At the time of this recognition, he had contributed to 30 Broadway productions over six decades. The award served as a full-circle moment, bringing the man from behind the baton into the industry spotlight.
Award Ceremony
The Tony Awards presented Wheeler with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. At the time of this recognition, he had contributed to 30 Broadway productions over six decades. The award served as a full-circle moment, bringing the man from behind the baton into the industry spotlight.
Harold Wheeler passed away
