1925 - 1995
Marty Paich, born Martin Louis Paich on January 23, 1925, in Oakland, California, died August 12, 1995, in Santa Ynez, California, was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and producer of modern jazz and West Coast jazz. During his fifty-year career, Marty Paich worked with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Stan Getz, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Jackson, Art Pepper, and many others.
The collaboration between Marty Paich and Mahalia Jackson was remarkable in that Paich, who was primarily active in jazz and pop, turned his attention to gospel music and showcased Mahalia's powerful voice and emotional singing in a new musical light. Paich's arrangements were orchestral and opulent, underscoring the spiritual depth of the music. Their collaboration produced remarkable albums such as Garden of Prayer (1954) and Christmas with Mahalia (1968). These albums are testimonials to this unique collaboration and show how two different musical worlds can come together to create something new and moving.
Further information on Marty Paich
Marty Paich was a versatile American musician who began his musical journey playing the accordion before turning to the piano. His education took him to various colleges and universities, including Chapman College, San Francisco State University, the University of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. To further his musical knowledge, he took private lessons with renowned musicians such as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Arnold Schoenberg.
His career began as an arranger and pianist for the Gary Nottingham Orchestra. During World War II, he served in the US Air Force, where he led various bands for troop entertainment. After the war, he returned to the music industry in Los Angeles and worked on soundtracks for animated films. He also accompanied the famous singer Peggy Lee and played with Shorty Rogers' Giants.
In the 1950s, Paich was a key figure in the West Coast jazz scene and worked in Hollywood's famous studios. He arranged and produced numerous albums for well-known jazz musicians such as Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Terry Gibbs, Stan Kenton, Shelly Manne, Anita O'Day, Dave Pell, Art Pepper, Buddy Rich, Jeri Southern, Shorty Rogers, and Mel Tormé.
In the 1960s, Paich expanded his musical spectrum and turned to light music. He worked with a wide variety of artists, including Andy Williams, Al Hirt, Dinah Shore, Ray Charles, and Sammy Davis Jr. He led a studio orchestra that appeared on popular TV shows such as The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and The Sonny and Cher Show. He was also a loving teacher and mentor to his son David Paich, who later played in the successful rock band Toto.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Paich was a sought-after arranger and worked with international stars such as Barbra Streisand and Michael Jackson. He was also active in the film industry and was involved in well-known projects such as Grand Canyon, The Killer Brigade, Pretty Woman, and Prince of Tides.
A highlight of his career came in 1991 when he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the legendary Sarah Vaughan's final public performance at the Hollywood Bowl. He then retired to his ranch in Santa Ynez, where he only occasionally worked on music projects, such as with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.