By
Angela Orlando
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Donation to enhance UA library's special collections
A new addition to the UA Main Library's special collections will commemorate composer Nelson Riddle's achievements and musical legacy.
"His name was as big in his day as Paul McCartney's is today," said Rob Cutietta, director of the UA School of Music and Dance.
The Nelson Riddle Memorial Library collection will permanently house assorted memorabilia from Riddle's estate. An opening date has not been set.
Riddle was known as a multi-talented composer, versed in almost every aspect of music. He died in 1985.
Upon her death in 1998, wife Naomi Riddle bequeathed the couple's estate to the University of Arizona. In addition to a lifetime of souvenirs, the donation included a Los Angeles-area home and other financial holdings.
The home and other assets were sold, and the UA College of Fine Arts used the money to create a $1.5 million endowed position - the first for its department - which is being held by orchestra director Thomas Cockrell.
Additionally, Naomi Riddle set up her own endowment - the Naomi Riddle Fund for the Advancement of the School - which benefits the College of Fine Arts. With this fund Cutietta created nUAnce, a 10-member vocal jazz ensemble.
Library archivist Keith Pawlak, along with others from the School of Music, has spent the last two years cataloging the many boxes of donated items. The collection includes 500 records, 30 television scripts, 650 scores of sheet music, 28 folders of motion picture memorabilia, an Academy Award, two - of Nelson Riddle's three - Grammy awards, autographed photos of former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Nelson Riddle's beloved trombone.
"This collection is significant because it is a great research asset," said Pawlak, a fine arts senior. "It allows people to come in and study Riddle's arrangements so as to enhance their own musical intellect."
Although the Riddles were not from Tucson, they had vested interests in UA.
"I think (Naomi) was attracted to this university because she wanted to give these items to a place which would take care of them," said Carol Petrozzello, coordinator for public relations and outreach at the School of Music.
"The (jazz musician) Artie Shaw collection is already in our library, and she made the decision that this was where she wanted the estate to be based partly on that," she added.
Born in 1921, Nelson Riddle conducted orchestras, led big bands, arranged music and played the trombone. He and his wife were friends of Shaw, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole - stars of post-war music.
"He'll go down in history for his relationship with Sinatra," Pawlak said. "Frank was going through a tough time in his life, and no one liked him anymore. Riddle was chosen to do some of his new arrangements, and suddenly Sinatra got a big boost. Riddle went on to become his lead orchestral arranger."
Riddle spent the later days of his career writing musical scores for television shows and films. To his credit are the themes for "Route 66," "The Untouchables" and "Batman." He won an Oscar in 1974 for creating the music for "The Great Gatsby."
Riddle emerged from retirement in the mid-70s to work with Linda Ronstadt on three well-received albums remembering the music of the 20s and 30s.
Sold-out concerts on Friday and Saturday nights will celebrate Riddle's achievements. Ronstadt is scheduled to sing with nUAnce. Flutist Paul Horn, percussionist Emil Richards and the UA Symphony Orchestra will accompany the vocalists.
The proceeds from these concerts will benefit the School of Music's recording studio.
The Riddles had six children - four daughters and two sons. All of the daughters and their families will be present to see Riddle honored.
