Following in the footsteps of his father, who led an amateur band, Nelson Riddle studied piano and trombone before joining Charlie Spivak's orchestra on graduating. He went on to play with Bob Crosby's and Tommy Dorsey's orchestras, who commissioned arrangements from him as a bonus. At the end of the Second World War, he was asked to write arrangements for Nat "King" Cole, with whom he collaborated for over 10 years and on more than 15 albums for the Capitol label. On the same label, he later recorded under his own name, but is best known as one of the most prolific arrangers and composers of the '50s, also working for radio, television and film. He accompanied many singers, including Dean Martin, Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra. He also composed pieces for television, including the soundtrack for the series The Untouchables, and directed the music for Batman in the 60s. After a prolonged absence in the 70s, he again wrote arrangements for several Linda Ronstadt albums, shortly before her death in the mid-80s.
