Ray Ellis (July 28, 1923 Philadelphia – October 27, 2008 Encino, California) was an American record producer, arranger and conductor. The orchestration for Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin is perhaps his best known work in the jazz vein.
Ellis arranged many hit records in the 1950s and 1960s. Included are classics such as "A Certain Smile" by Johnny Mathis; Broken Hearted Melody by Sarah Vaughan; and "Standing On The Corner" by the Four Lads. In 1970 he produced Emmylou Harris’ debut LP Gliding Bird.
Ellis work encompassed all areas of music, from records to film, commercials, and television. His television theme music credits include NBC News At Sunrise with Connie Chung and the original cartoon series Spider-Man. In the early 1960s, Ellis had a contract to produce his own easy listening record albums with RCA Victor, MGM, and Columbia, the most popular probably being Ellis in Wonderland.
Death of Ray Ellis
Ray Ellis died of complications from melanoma
Ray Ellis was 85 years old at the age of his death.