Ben Lanzarone, the much-celebrated composer, arranger, musical director and pianist behind classic scores featured on television shows “Dynasty,” “The Love Boat,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel,” among others, has died. He died on Friday, February 16 at 12:05 a.m. in Los Angeles of lung cancer.
Born October 28, 1938, Lanzarone was a native of Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from the famed High School of Music and Art in New York City and later graduated with a double Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He began his career as a classical pianist and traveled the country as a soloist with the Longines Symphonette. He made his solo debut at Carnegie Recital Hall.
Through his association with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox, Lanzarone entered the world of popular music, first collaborating on the album “In Classic Form,” showcasing his talent as a classical and jazz pianist. Continuing his work on other Bob Crewe productions, including recordings for Bobby Darin, Vikki Carr, and The Bob Crewe Generation, Lanzarone would become a busy arranger for a diverse list of recording artists, including Peter Nero, Vicki Sue Robinson, the disco group The Brothers, as well as the soundtrack of the motion picture, “Grease.”
His work composing television scores won Lanzarone the prestigious ASCAP “Most Performed Composer Award.” He wrote music for countless episodes of television, including “The Tracy Ullman Show,” “The Jay Leno Comedy Hour” and “Mr. Belvedere.” But, it was his long association with Aaron Spelling and Doug Cramer that resulted in many scores for “Dynasty” (including the legendary catfight episode with Alexis and Krystle Carrington), “The Love Boat,” “Vegas,” “Matt Houston,” “The Colbys” and “Hotel.”
Among television comedies, Lanzarone wrote the music for numerous episodes of “Happy Days” (including the episode where Fonzie jumped the shark), “Laverne and Shirley” and “Mork and Mindy.”
Married to actress and singer Ilene Graff for 46 years, the couple enjoyed a personal and professional relationship that spanned stage, screen, live concerts, and recordings, including a Grammy nomination for their album “Baby’s Broadway Lullabies.” Along with their daughter, Broadway vet Nikka Graff Lanzarone, they created and performed popular cabaret concerts in New York City and Los Angeles. They also taught a popular workshop, “Making the Song Your Own,” inspiring singers to find joy in music and performance.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Lanzarone lent his time and talents to many charitable organizations, including The Variety Club, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and The Entertainment Community Fund.
Lanzarone is survived by his wife, Ilene Graff, daughter Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Daniel Smith), brothers Frank and Peter Lanzarone, brothers-in-law Richard and Todd Graff (Jhon Lafaurie), nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends.
A private memorial service will be held in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund). Click here for more information.