Jerold Ottley

Jerold Don Ottley (April 7, 1934 – February 19, 2021) was an American music director and choral conductor. He served as the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Choir) from 1974 to 1999. During his tenure, Ottley established the Choir's annual Christmas concert and appointed its first female organist. Prior to that, he was assistant chair of the University of Utah's Music Department.

Early life Ottley was born in Murray, Utah, on April 7, 1934, to Sidney and Alice Ottley. He studied choral conducting at the University of Utah, where he earned a master's degree. He was subsequently granted a Fulbright scholarship to study at the Academy of Music in Cologne, and later earned a doctorate from the University of Oregon. He became a faculty member at the University of Utah's Music Department and served as its assistant department chair.

Career Ottley first worked with the Choir as assistant director on a part-time basis. succeeding Jay E. Welch. and they remained married until his death. Together, they had two children, Brent and Allison.

Ottley and his wife were diagnosed with COVID-19 in November 2020 during the pandemic in Utah. He died from complications of the virus in Salt Lake City, on February 19, 2021, at age 86.