Jul 9, 1919 – May 26, 2008
Earle Hagen began his outstanding musical career as a trombone player with the big bands of the late thirties. He spent five years touring with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Ray Noble. It was with Noble that he wrote the instrumental standard, Harlem Nocturne, later to become the theme of Mike...
Read MoreI was in elementary school in Fayetteville North Carolina in the mid 1960s. The Andy Griffith show was very popular. As a young school boy I have a vivid memory of a man coming to a school assembly and whistling the shows theme song and being introduced as it's creator. While I can't prove it was Earle Hagen it is a vivid, fond memory I have of elementary school and can't imagine who else it could have been.
Mike Conerly
February 20, 2026
I got to thinking about the good ole days and enjoyed watching The Andy Griffith Show with my paternal grandparents back in the 1960's. Imagine how happy a grade school kid would be to see the actual guy that whistled the tune show up at her elementary school. Then to hear the Principal introduce him as a man who can whistle more than one note at one time. I can't remember the exact year, but he came to Monroe Elementary School in the 1960's. Monroe has built a new school since then, but...
Regina Vincent Carson
January 31, 2026 | Other
So sorry to have just found out of Earle's passing. I was looking him up online because I was answering a question on Storybook "Did you ever meet anyone famous and how?" It was back around 1970 when I heard Earle speak at a Willys-Overland-Knight Registry Dinner in Illinois and he was guest speaker. Earle was so entertaining to me and I was mesmerized when he demonstrated the double whistle as he whistled the famous theme song. I thought he was terrific and I have told that story several...
Don Read
May 25, 2017 | Arvada, CO
Valenda Newell
December 30, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
KATHY AND BUDDY BARNETT
May 21, 2012 | NEWPORT, TN
Mrs hagen,Deane and Jimmy, so sorry for your loss. Deane please call me @ 310 455 1874. this is tom mitchell your ole drum rodee
Tom Mitchell
October 23, 2008 | Topanga, CA
mexico,myself and mary
only met you a few times, but you took me in as one of your own. rest in peace your friend thomas craig mitchell, deane hagens drum rodee sale ave.
thomas mitchell
October 23, 2008 | Topanga, CA
Deane, It was great meeting you the other night at the Shereton in Universal City. Hearing about your stories and your dad was inspiring. He Was the most famous person I never heard of, but I am glad I have heard of him now. I send you and your family my best wishes. Peace and Love, Noah
Noah Squires
June 23, 2008 | San Clemente, CA
Dear Laura,
What a soft spot we have in our hearts for you and Earle. We met Earle in 1979 when we did a demo for him in LA...many years later we reconnected when he hired us to play at Morningside and a friendship was formed..The world has lost an immense talent and we have all lost a wonderful man..Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Deane and Jim.
With love,
Kal David and Lauri Bono
June 12, 2008