André George Previn was a renowned German-American pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor, whose illustrious career spanned over eight decades, leaving an indelible mark on jazz, classical, and film music.
Born Andreas Ludwig Priwin in Berlin, Germany, Previn's Jewish heritage forced his family to flee Hitler's Germany in 1939, seeking refuge in Hollywood, where his grand uncle, Charles Previn, was already a well-established musical director at Universal Studios.
As a child prodigy, Previn recorded his first piano jazz album at the tender age of sixteen, while simultaneously pursuing his studies at Beverly Hills High School.
He began his professional journey at MGM in 1946, initially as an uncredited music supervisor and arranger, later ascending to the roles of orchestra conductor and film score composer, remaining under contract until 1960.
Throughout his tenure in Hollywood, Previn garnered a staggering eleven Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning four, including Best Adapted Score for Gigi, Porgy and Bess, Irma la Douce, and My Fair Lady.
In the 1950s, Previn collaborated with renowned musicians Shelly Manne and Russ Freeman, producing several acclaimed jazz albums, featuring standout tracks like "Who's on First" and "Strike Out the Band".
As his interest in classical music grew, Previn began conducting with the St. Louis Symphony in 1961, while still maintaining his jazz and studio musician persona.
By the late 1960s, Previn had settled in England, where he was appointed principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra in 1968, a position he held for eleven years.
This period saw Previn's rise to fame, with cameo appearances on television, including a memorable sketch on The Morecambe & Wise Show, as well as commercials for Vauxhall and Ferguson TX portable television.
From 1985 to 1989, Previn served as musical director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic, subsequently becoming principal conductor of the latter from 1988 to 1991.
Throughout his illustrious career, Previn received numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards, six Emmy nominations, and being appointed conductor laureate of the London Symphony in 1993.
In recognition of his services to music, Previn was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1996.
Previn's later years saw him return to recording jazz albums, collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass & Ray Brown, and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Two tribute albums, 'We Got Rhythm: A Gershwin Songbook' and 'We Got it Good: An Ellington Songbook', released in 1998 and 2000, respectively, showcased Previn's enduring mastery of jazz.
Previn was married five times, including to the talented singer-songwriter Dory Previn and actress Mia Farrow.
He passed away on February 28, 2019, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
