Benjamin A. Lanzarone

Ben Lanzarone, born October 28, 1938, celebrated composer/arranger/musical director/pianist, passed away on February 16, 2024 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 85 years old.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ben enjoyed a career encompassing a broad range of musical experience. He graduated from the famed High School of Music and Art in New York and earned a double master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He began as a classical pianist, traveling the country as soloist with the Longines Symphonette and making his solo debut at Carnegie Recital Hall.

Ben easily moved into the world of popular music when he started his association with Bob Crewe and Charles Fox. Their collaboration resulted in Ben's album, "In Classic Form" showcasing his talent as both a classical and jazz pianist. Ben went on to arrange many more Bob Crewe productions, including recordings for Bobby Darin, Vikki Carr, and The Bob Crewe Generation. He soon became a busy arranger for a diverse list of recording artists including Peter Nero, Vicki Sue Robinson, the disco group The Brothers, as well as the soundtrack of the motion picture "Grease". He also arranged and composed many jingles while maintaining his career as a studio pianist, appearing on well over a thousand commercials, records and soundtracks. This recording activity led to his election to the NARAS Board of Governors.

It was for his work composing television scores that won Ben the prestigious ASCAP "Most Performed Composer" award. He wrote music for countless episodes of television, from "The Tracy Ullman Show", "The Jay Leno Comedy Hour" and Mr. Belvedere", to "Dynasty" (including the legendary catfight episode with Alexis and Crystal Carrington), "The Love Boat", "Vegas", "Matt Houston", "The Colbys", "Hotel", "Happy Days" (including the episode where Fonzie jumped the shark), "Laverne and Shirley" and "Mork and Mindy".

As musical director/pianist, Ben toured with a wide variety of artists including Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunkel, Mary Travers, Anthony Newley, and Petula Clark. On Broadway, he was musical director of the original production of "Grease", and arranger for the Broadway productions of "Via Galactica" and "Truckload". He was also the musical director/arranger for Off-Broadway's "How to Steal an Election" and the Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival's "Midsummer Night's Dream".

Married for forty-six years to actress and singer Ilene Graff, they enjoyed a personal and professional relationship that spanned stage, screen, live concerts, and recordings, including a Grammy nomination for their album "Baby's Broadway Lullabies". Along with their daughter, Broadway vet Nikka Graff Lanzarone, they created and performed popular cabaret concerts in both New York City and Los Angeles.

As educators, Ben and Ilene taught the popular workshop "Making the Song Your Own," inspiring singers to find the joy in music and performance. In addition to his numerous professional accomplishments, Ben was proud to have lent his time and talents to many charitable organizations, including The Variety Club, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and The Entertainment Community Fund.

Ben, son of the late Mary and Tony Lanzarone, is survived by his wife, Ilene Graff, daughter Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Daniel Smith), brothers Frank and Peter Lanzarone, brothers-in-law Richard and Todd Graff (Jhon Lafaurie), nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends. He leaves an enormous musical and personal legacy, and will be deeply missed.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) at https://entertainmentcommunity.org/