Composer leaves legacy to UA music school

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat UA President Peter Likins

A $2 million donation in Riddle's name will aid aspiring University of Arizona artists in developing their own styles of musical expression.

UA President Peter Likins took the stage Friday at the Fine Arts Honors Convocation in Crowder Hall to talk about Nelson Riddle's endowed chair donation to the music school.

"We are here today to announce some exciting news," Likins said before the packed auditorium as the UA orchestra played Riddle's tunes in the background. "It is no coincidence we played this music - the music speaks to signify a gift for the foundation."

Along with the monetary gift, to be administered by the UA Foundation, the school also will receive Riddle's library collection, which includes orchestral scores, royalties from his work, his Oscar and Grammy awards, memorable photographs, letters and musical instruments.

Riddle died in 1985 at the age of 64. His musical career began in the 1940s, when he played trombone for big-band greats like Tommy Dorsey and Charlie Spivak.

Riddle went on to produce arrangements for singers such as Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Linda Ronstadt.

His musical score for "The Great Gatsby" and arrangement of the song "Unforgettable" are his Oscar-winning works. Two years before his death, Riddle earned a Grammy for his last project, the arrangement of Ronstadt's What's New album.

Riddle is sharing his royalties with others and honoring them in the process, Richard Imwalle, the foundation's president, said.

Imwalle said successful programs such as the music school's "are seldom accomplished in isolation."

"We need to take time to honor special supporters," he said.

Attorney Edward Ezzor said he aided Riddle's late wife Naomi in selecting a university with a music program worthy of such a gift.

"May you use it with the wisdom and loving spirit with which it was given," Ezzor said. "Naomi Riddle's undying love for Nelson led her to the UA and the creation of this chair."

Genevieve D. Cruise can be reached via e-mail at Genevieve.D.Cruise@wildcat.arizona.edu.