Earle Hagan
In the early 1950s, Twentieth Century Fox hired Hagen to work under Lionel Newman. Hagen worked as a second-line composer until he got his big break when he composed the hit theme for the Perry Mason TV show. He followed this with his whistling theme for The Andy Griffith Show.
Also known as Earl Hagen, Hagen began his study of the trombone in his early teens, and after graduating from high school, began working professionally, playing with such bands as Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Isham Jones.
During WW2, he worked in the Army Air Corps' Radio and Film Unit in Santa Ana, California. After his service discharge, he returned to the Hollywood movie studios, continuing to work as an orchestrator and arranger.
In the early 1950s, Twentieth Century Fox hired him to work under Lionel Newman. Hagen worked as a second-line composer until he got his big break when he composed the hit theme for the Perry Mason TV show. He followed this with his whistling theme for The Andy Griffith Show.
From here, Hagen went on to provide the theme, and soundtrack release, of the Bill Cosby/Robert Culp series, I Spy. Among his other TV themes are The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gomer Pyle, USMC, The Mod Squad, and That Girl. He also scored some films including Man on a Tightrope and The New Interns.
Compositions by Earle Hagan appear on
Little Wing: Standards Inspired by Angels
Tried-and-true jazz standards fashioned around the theme of angels. Vocalist Debra Blaquiere is joined by award-winning pianist Joe Chindamo and bassist Philip Rex.