Rolf-Hans Müller (April 10, 1928 – December 26, 1990) was a prominent German conductor and composer, celebrated for his work in light orchestral and dance music.
Born in Dresden, Müller sang in the Dresdner Kreuzchor as a child before studying at the Heidelberg Music Academy after World War II. In 1949, he joined Südwestfunk (SWF) in Baden-Baden as a pianist, composer, and arranger.
In 1959, he founded and led the SWF Dance Orchestra, succeeding Eddie Sauter, and directed it until 1979. His tenure included international tours across Asia and America, showcasing his vibrant, jazz-infused style.
Müller’s television career peaked with appearances like the ARD’s first color broadcast in 1967 and after Franz Grothe’s death in 1982, he took over musical direction for Zum Blauen Bock. His compositions graced films and series such as Tatort, Salto Mortale, and Die Powenzbande, often blending dance rhythms with orchestral flair.
Collaborations with artists like Maynard Ferguson highlighted his versatility in jazz and pop. Müller died at 62 in Baden-Baden, survived by his wife, Ritha. Since 1992, the Rolf-Hans Müller Prize honors his legacy in film music.
32 recordings by Rolf-Hans Müller you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
Bist du’s, lachendes Glück • Bolero Rodeo • Brooklyn • Da geh’ ich zu Maxim • Dein ist mein ganzes Herz • Die Montagsmaler • Einsamkeit (aus ”Der Forellenhof”) • Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert • Ganz ohne Weiber geht die Chose nicht • Goldene Zeiten • Grüß’ mir mein Wien • Hab’ ein blaues Himmelbett • Heut’ nacht hab’ ich geträumt von dir • Im Forellenhof • Ja, das Studium der Weiber ist schwer • Klapperschlange • Komm mit mir nach Varasdin • Liebe, du Himmel auf Erden • Machen wir’s den Schwalben nach • Meine Liebe, deine Liebe • Moselbrück • Nach der Jagd (aus ”Der Forellenhof”) • Niemand liebt dich so wie ich • Salto Mortale • Surfing Love • Tanz an der Oos (aus ”Der Forellenhof”) • Tanzen möcht’ ich • Traumland-Melodie • Vilja-Lied • Weinhaserl (aus ”Moselbrück”) • Western-Melodie (aus ”Salto Mortale”) • Zuckerbäckerballett •
