Harper MacKay

Harper MacKay (October 13, 1921 — June 2, 1995 ) was an American pianist, music director, and composer and arranger of music for television and film. He was the longtime music director of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera and was also the music director for singer Ann Blyth; serving as her arranger and accompanist in concert. He was also music director and accompanist for comedienne Phyllis Diller and for lyricist Sammy Cahn; the latter of whom toured nationally in concerts singing his own music. He was the music director for The Julie Andrews Show and the NBC Follies in addition to serving as arranger and music supervisor for The Gong Show and television specials featuring celebrity entertainers.

Life and career Born in Boston, MacKay earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard University before earning a doctorate of music from the University of Southern California. He died of a heart attack in Los Angeles on June 2, 1995.