Ray Conniff (November 6, 1916 – October 12, 2002) was an American bandleader, arranger, and composer known for his signature orchestral pop sound. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, he began his career as a trombonist and arranger in the big band era, working with artists like Bunny Berigan and Artie Shaw.
In the 1950s, Conniff became an arranger for Columbia Records, shaping hits for stars such as Johnny Mathis and Rosemary Clooney. His breakthrough came in 1956 when he formed The Ray Conniff Singers, blending vocal harmonies with light orchestration.
This formula led to a string of best-selling albums, including ’S Wonderful (1956) and Somewhere My Love (1966), the latter featuring his Grammy-winning arrangement of “Lara’s Theme” from Doctor Zhivago.
Conniff’s music, characterized by lush arrangements and smooth vocals, remained popular for decades, earning him worldwide acclaim, especially in Latin America and Europe. He continued performing and recording into the 1990s, with over 100 albums to his name.
Ray Conniff left a lasting influence on easy listening and orchestral pop music. His timeless sound continues to be cherished by fans around the world.
