Elmer Bernstein

Elmer Bernstein (April 4, 1922 – August 18, 2004) was an American composer best known for his work writing music for film and television.

Bernstein was born in New York City. A piano and compositions prodigy, he was

Elmer Bernstein (April 4, 1922 – August 18, 2004) was an American composer best known for his work writing music for film and television.

Bernstein was born in New York City. A piano and compositions prodigy, he was "discovered" at the age of 12 by the great Aaron Copland. He wrote the theme songs or other music for more than 200 films and TV shows, including The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, The Ten Commandments (1956), The Man with the Golden Arm, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the instantly-recognizable fanfare used in the National Geographic television specials.