Harry Simeone

Harry Simeone (May 9, 1911 – February 22, 2005) was an American music arranger, conductor, and composer. He spent much of his career working in film and television, but he is best remembered for directing the Harry Simeone Chorale, which popularized the Christmas song "The Little Drummer Boy" in 1958.

Early years Harry Moses Simeone was born in Newark, New Jersey on May 9, 1911. He grew up listening to stars performing at the Metropolitan Opera, just across the river in New York City. Initiated and inspired by this childhood passion, he sought a career as a concert pianist. Simeone attended the Juilliard School of Music for three years, but dropped out to accept a job as an arranger at CBS. This brought him to the attention of bandleader Fred Waring, who hired him as an arranger and conductor. Simeone changed the title to "The Little Drummer Boy" and recorded it for his album Sing We Now of Christmas.

His wife Margaret died the following year, after which Harry's health declined. He died on February 22, 2005, at the age of 93, at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan.

Simeone's granddaughter Laura Stevenson also became a musician, becoming the frontwoman of Laura Stevenson and the Cans.