Jack Sheldon (1931–2019), “Merv Griffin Show” trumpeter and “Schoolhouse Rock” singer

Jack Sheldon was a jazz trumpeter and singer who was known for his work on “The Merv Griffin Show” and “Schoolhouse Rock.” A member of Mort Lindsey’s Orchestra on “The Merv Griffin Show” for 18 years, Sheldon often stepped out from the band, becoming Griffin’s sidekick. His trumpet solos were frequently heard on the show, including his famous solo in “The Shadow of Your Smile,” the 1965 Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards and Best Song at the Oscars. Sheldon also sang on several installments of the popular “Schoolhouse Rock” educational short films — he was the voice of the Conjunction Conductor in “Conjunction Junction,” and he sang “I’m Just a Bill.” He starred in the TV shows “Run, Buddy, Run” and “The Cara Williams Show.”