George Edward Wilkins

Mar 01, 1934 - Nov 08, 2024

George Edward Wilkins, born in Detroit, Michigan to Nancy Viola Macmillan, and later adopted by Frederick and Dorothy Wilkins, passed away on November 8, 2024. His career as a singer, composer, arranger, and producer spanned radio, television variety shows, animated films, Las Vegas shows, animatronic toys, and theme parks. George was sometimes referred to as the "foremost composer of singing animals." Known for his remarkable talent, George will also be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to helping others.

George's musical journey began at age 9 as a soprano soloist with the St. Paul's Cathedral Boys Choir. He later joined the Don Large Make Way for Youth Chorus at WJR and vocal group The Spellbinders as a singer/arranger. The "Spells" also toured Japan and Korea with the USO as part of the "Michigan Madcaps."

In 1954, the group moved to N.Y.C., became the Page Five Singers, and appeared on The Patti Page Show. During this time, George also established himself as a vocal arranger and choral director for numerous TV productions.

Drafted in 1956, George served in the U.S. Army as a singer/arranger with the Army Band and Chorus. While living in Washington D.C., he also launched successful jingle company J.R. Productions and was instrumental in building and co-owning Edgewood Recording Studio.

Moving back to New York in 1960, George joined the production company Forelle, Thomas & Polack, where he wrote and produced hundreds of commercials, earning New York Advertising Club awards for some Chevrolet film spots. He also worked with Rankin/Bass on animated specials, contributed to Return to Oz, was composer and arranger for animated feature The Wacky World of Mother Goose, and was creative director and vocal arranger for five of the Firestone Christmas albums.

During the mid-'60s and '70s, George co-founded The Doodletown Pipers (1966), a popular vocal group that led to a syndicated series and the CBS show Our Place, where he served as co-producer and musical director. He also pitched an album concept to Henry Mancini, which resulted in the release of The Brothers Go to Mothers and Others.

Later, George became a prominent figure in Las Vegas entertainment, writing, conducting, and producing for headline acts such as Connie Stevens, James Darren, and Abbe Lane, among others.

George's career took a pivotal turn in 1979 when he became staff composer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Celebrated for his musical contributions, he was instrumental in shaping the iconic soundscape of EPCOT. His compositions and arrangements have enchanted visitors at Disney parks worldwide, with his music for the Horizons Pavilion standing out as one of his most memorable compositions.

In the mid-1980's, George began to musically bring to life a new family of animatronic characters and their friends. He wrote and produced over 200 songs for animatronic toy Teddy Ruxpin, Talking Mother Goose, the Land of Grundo characters and The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin animated series.

Beyond music, George was an avid golfer, skilled woodworker, and enjoyed daily walks with his dogs. He cherished his morning coffee ritual with friends and, above all, he loved his wife, Kim, to whom he gave his whole heart.

George inspired us with his musical genius, charmed us with his infectious personality, embraced us with his generous heart, and captivated us with his epic storytelling. He lived a full and amazing life, loved by so many, weaving a tapestry of kindness and humility, changing lives along the way. Though the final chords have been played, we will always listen and remember. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kimberly; his sister Ruth Wilkins; His daughter Amy Wilkins (mother: Laura Clark), and her daughter Isabel Lyon,

His son Christopher Wilkins, his wife Maylynn, and their children, Oliver, Eliza and Julian; and his son Jonathan Wilkins (mother: Jennifer Johnson Fralick).

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Wilkins (mother: Laura Clark), and his sister Moneta Wilkins.