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Leith Stevens

American composer and musician for radio, TV and film scores. Born: September 13, 1909 in Mount Moriah, Missouri. Died: July 23, 1970 in Los Angeles, California (heart attack). He composed for motion pictures, television, and radio, conducted symphony orchestras, composed a piano concerto, and wrote pop tunes. He was a child prodigy pianist. At fourteen, he made his professional debut as a pianist in Kansas City, Missouri. Two years later he made his conducting debut. He later continued his music education at Julliard, where he was awarded a fellowship. He composed soundtracks for more than fifty films (most in the 1950's & 60's) and was nominated for three Academy Awards. He was also one of the founders and the first president of the Composers and Lyricists Guild of America.