Felix Slatkin (December 22, 1915 – February 8, 1963) was an American violinist, conductor and orchestra leader celebrated for his versatility in classical and popular music.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ukrainian immigrants, Slatkin began violin at age 10, studying at the Curtis Institute. By 1935, he debuted as a soloist with the St. Louis Symphony and joined its first violin section at 17. Moving to Hollywood, he became a top studio musician, contributing to over 300 film scores, including The Adventures of Robin Hood and Gone with the Wind.
In 1947, Slatkin co-founded the Hollywood String Quartet, earning acclaim for its recordings of modern works by composers like Schoenberg. As a conductor, he led the Concert Arts Orchestra and, in 1958, founded the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, producing lush easy-listening albums like the Fantastic series under Capitol Records. Known for his technical precision and warm tone, he collaborated with stars like Frank Sinatra.
Slatkin married cellist Eleanor Aller, and their sons, Leonard and Fred, became notable musicians. He died of a heart attack in 1963 at 47, leaving a legacy in both classical and Hollywood music.
24 recordings by Felix Slatkin you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
Around The World • Bonanza • Exodus • Gigi • Golden Earrings • It’s Not Forever • Last Date • Laura • Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing • Mr Lucky • My Own True Love (Tara’s Theme) • Never On Sunday • Night Theme • Peter Gunn • Smile • Spellbound • Terry’s Theme from ”Limelight” • The Green Leaves Of Summer • The Magnificent Seven • Theme from ”A Summer Place” • Theme from ”The Sundowners” • Three Coins In The Fountain • Unchained Melody • Where is Your Heart (Song from ”Moulin Rouge”) •
