Johnny Mandel's illustrious career spanned multiple decades, earning him numerous accolades and recognition within the music industry. Born in Manhattan, he was the son of a garment manufacturer and an opera singer, with music playing a significant role in his family. His uncle, a writer of show tunes, likely influenced his early interest in music.
Mandel's talent was evident from a young age, as he quickly learned to play the piano, trumpet, and trombone. He was mentored in arranging by the renowned Van Alexander and refined his skills by completing studies at the Manhattan School of Music and the prestigious Juilliard School.
By his mid-teens, Mandel was working with big bands, starting professionally in 1943 with the orchestra of violinist Joe Venuti. He became one of the most accomplished arrangers of his era, doubling on trombone until 1954. He worked with some of the most popular swing outfits, including Artie Shaw, Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Alvino Rey, and Buddy Rich.
In the mid-50s, Mandel devoted his time primarily to arranging and writing jazz compositions. He worked with notable musicians such as Stan Getz, Count Basie, and Woody Herman, creating standards like "The Straight Life", "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams", and the beautiful love theme for the motion picture The Sandpiper (1965),"The Shadow of Your Smile".
Mandel's work on the film's soundtrack earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, shared with lyricist Paul Francis Webster. He also collaborated with Webster on An American Dream (1966). Mandel has worked on numerous film and TV soundtracks as composer, conductor, and orchestrator.
As an arranger, he worked with famous recording artists, including Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, and Barbra Streisand. Mandel was a five-time Grammy Award winner and a member of ASCAP from 1956. He served on the Board of Directors from 1989, solidifying his position as a respected figure within the music industry.
