Ira Newborn

Biography

Ira Newborn is an American composer, orchestrator, conductor, musician, and actor best known for his work in film music. Born on December 26, 1949, in New York City, he has composed scores for comedies, action films, and television productions.

Career

Newborn began working professionally in music during the 1970s. He developed experience as a performer, arranger, conductor, and composer and later moved into film scoring. He was also involved with The Blues Brothers (1980) as music supervisor and conductor.

A major part of his career was his collaboration with filmmaker John Hughes. Newborn composed music for several Hughes films, including Sixteen Candles (1984), Weird Science (1985), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), and Uncle Buck (1989).

Weird Science

Newborn composed the score for Weird Science (1985), John Hughes's science-fiction comedy about two teenagers who use a computer to create their ideal woman. His music helped reinforce the film's energetic and playful tone.

The Naked Gun

Perhaps Newborn's most recognizable work came with The Naked Gun franchise. He composed the music for The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988), The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991), and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994). His brassy, jazz-influenced style became an important part of the series' comic identity.

Other Notable Work

His other film credits include Into the Night, Wise Guys, Dragnet, Amazon Women on the Moon, Caddyshack II, My Blue Heaven, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Mallrats, and BASEketball.

Newborn has also worked as a songwriter, arranger, musical director, and conductor, collaborating with artists including B.B. King and The Manhattan Transfer.

Later Career

Newborn eventually moved much of his professional attention toward teaching and other musical activities. He has been associated with New York University's music and performing arts programs, where he has taught film scoring.