Allan Alper, who worked on numerous films and television shows and served as a musical director for several legendary artists, has passed away at the age of 78, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He died on Dec. 4 at JFK Memorial Hospital after suffering two strokes, his stepsister, Kristina Melcher, told the outlet.
Along with his stepsister, he is survived by his sister, Annette; his brother, Elliott; his stepdaughter, Yvette; and his former wife, Marilyn.
“Wow, what a long career. It’s sad to see another talented person from that era go,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a sweet tribute.
Allan Alper’s Legacy
Born in 1947, Alper grew up around the music industry since his father was an MCA talent agent whose clients included Jerry Lewis, Xavier Cugat, the Harry James Orchestra, Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith, and John Williams. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition in 1969 at USC.
Alper was a pianist who composed scores for films such as, The Bang Bang Gang (1970), Caged Men (1971), Wild Riders (1971), Hollywood Babylon (1971), Superchick (1973), Inferno in Paradise (1974), The Black Gestapo (1975), and On Any Sunday II (1981). He also was a conductor and musical director for artists including Mitzi Gaynor, Florence Henderson, Jim Nabors, Charo and Debbie Reynolds.
He was also a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 of Los Angeles.
Another Music Legend Recently Passed Away
GettyGrateful Dead founding member and guitarist Bob Weir passed away at the age of 78, a statement posted to his official Instagram account announced.
He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Weir is survived by his wife Natascha Münter, as well as their two children, Monet and Chloe. His cause of death is related to underlying lung issues, with Weir having previously beaten cancer.
In the Instagram post, he is remembered as a “guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music.”
His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them,” the post continued. “Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong.”
