Neal Hefti, a Big Band trumpeter, arranger and composer of themes for the movie "The Odd Couple" and the "Batman" television series, has died in Los Angeles. He was 85.
His son Paul Hefti says his father died unexpectedly Saturday at his home.
Neal Hefti composed the iconic theme of the 1960s superhero series "Batman," which became a Top 40 hit and won a Grammy Award in 1966 for best instrumental theme. He also composed music for "The Odd Couple," ''Barefoot in the Park" and "Harlow," which featured his classic track "Girl Talk."
Neal Hefti also worked with and arranged music for the greats of the Big Band era, including Count Basie, Woody Herman, Charlie Spivak and Harry James.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
