Gary McFarland

Gary Ronald McFarland (October 23, 1933 – November 2, 1971)

Life McFarland was born in Los Angeles, on October 23, 1933, but relocated at the age of 15 to Grants Pass, Oregon.

He attained a small following after working with jazz luminaries Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, and Anita O'Day.

McFarland was considering a move into writing and arranging for film and stage. However, at age 38, on November 2, 1971the same day that he completed the Broadway album, To Live Another Summer; To Pass Another WinterMcFarland died in New York City at St. Vincent's Hospital from a lethal dose of liquid methadone that he had ingested at Bar 55 at 55 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. It is not known whether he took the drug on purpose or someone spiked his drink; police did not investigate.