Personal info
Known for
Music Director
Gender
Male
Birthday
17 June
Location
Pennsylvania, United States
Edit pageJerry Fielding
Biography
Jerry Fielding (June 17, 1922 – February 17, 1980) was an American composer, arranger, conductor, and radio and television personality who became one of Hollywood's respected film composers. Born Joshua Itzhak Feldman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he developed an interest in music at an early age and began his professional career as a radio musician and arranger.
Fielding gained recognition through his work in radio and television, where he became known for his distinctive orchestral arrangements and conducting. He later moved into film scoring and became particularly associated with director Sam Peckinpah. Their collaboration produced music for several notable films, including The Wild Bunch (1969), Straw Dogs (1971), Junior Bonner (1972), and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974).
He also composed scores for films such as The Mechanic (1972), Dillinger (1973), The Gambler (1974), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), and The Enforcer (1976). His music frequently combined jazz, orchestral writing, and dramatic contemporary elements.
Fielding received Academy Award nominations for his scores for The Wild Bunch, Straw Dogs, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his television work.
Jerry Fielding died of a heart attack on February 17, 1980, in Toronto, Canada, at the age of 57. He is remembered for his innovative film and television compositions and for his important collaborations with filmmakers such as Sam Peckinpah.
