Lee Hale
Lee Hale was an American television producer and musical director.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he worked as a choral director on CBS’s The Entertainers, a one-season variety show which starred Carol Burnett, Bob Newhart, Dom DeLuise and Ruth Buzzi.
Lee Hale was an American television producer and musical director.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he worked as a choral director on CBS’s The Entertainers, a one-season variety show which starred Carol Burnett, Bob Newhart, Dom DeLuise and Ruth Buzzi.
Hale became the musical director for The Dean Martin Show in 1965, and remained with the show until it ended in 1974. Hale garnered three Emmy Award nominations for his work on the show. He later produced the popular celebrity roast specials hosted by Martin. He was recruited by show director Greg Garrison to contribute original songs, jingles and other works drawn from his knowledge of 20th century popular music. Irving Berlin gave Hale permission to use his songs in the show, something he rarely granted to others.
Hale also became music director for The Golddiggers, a spin-off starring the female singing and dancing troupe from The Dean Martin Show.
Hale’s other credits include the syndicated The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters, three Bob Hope Christmas specials, two documentary specials on NBC’s first 50 years, and several Emmy Awards telecasts.
Hale died May 10, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. He was 96.
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