Harold Wheeler, a prolific Broadway orchestrator, composer and conductor who also served as musical director on Dancing with the stars for 17 seasons, is dead. He was 82.
Wheeler’s death was announced by longtime family friend, Broadway producer Lamar Richardson, who said Wheeler died at his home Wednesday after a long illness.
Wheeler received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 2019 and earned Tony nominations for orchestrations throughout his career for Broadway productions such as Life (1997), Little Me (1999), Swing! (2000), The full Monty (2001), Hair spray (2003) and Dirty rotten scoundrels (2005).
From the start Dancing with the stars in 2006 until 2013, Wheeler was the musical director and composer of the show. He parted ways with the reality dance competition when producers controversially decided to switch to increased use of recorded music rather than live band music. Previous American Idol bandleader Ray Chew took over Wheeler’s job after he left.
Previous DWTS pro and current judge Derek Hough remembers Wheeler with a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Thursday, writing that he “hearts building so much of the magic we all know.”
“From the Academy Awards to countless iconic shows, he was a legend,” Hough continued. “I’ll always remember sending him ideas in my early seasons and the funny moment when Shawn (Johnson) and I tumbled right into his band pit. Harold, thanks for the music, the kindness and the memories. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Previous DWTS host Tom Bergeron also paid tribute to Wheeler. “Nothing gave me more pleasure than to have him and his orchestra break up during dress rehearsals,” Bergeron said. Instagram. “Well, that and basking in the glory of their talent. RIP my friend.”
Born William Harold Wheeler Jr. on 14 July 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri, Wheeler began his career in the 1960s as musical director for composer Burt Bacharach—a job that Deadline reports are often credited as the first for a major pop act to be fronted by an African-American male.
He provided musical arrangements for acts such as Tony Orlando and Nina Simone, and even served as conductor for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 2004, he was named music director for the 76th Academy Awards, and three years later, he was named music arranger for the 79th Academy Awards.
His screen credits over the years included The magical world of Disneythe 1993 Presidential Inaugural Gala for Bill Clinton, The Jacksons: An American Dream, Home frontand various award ceremonies. He was also involved in Broadway-to-TV specials for Hair spray, Dream girls and Love! Bravery! Compassion!
On the recording front, he had many credits, including arranging, conducting and producing Simone’s 1971 album Here comes the sunand played piano on Bruce Springsteen’s songs “Blinded By the Light” and “Spirit In The Night” in 1973.
His impressive Broadway career spanned 31 credits, including Promises, promises, Coco, It is not meant to die a natural death, The Wiz, Leader of the pack, Dream girls, Carrie, Life, Sideshow, Hair spray, Lennonand Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
In addition to his Lifetime Achievement Tony, Wheeler received a 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Theater Awards.
Wheeler is survived by his wife Hattie Winston, an actress he met when they both attended Howard University. Other survivors include daughters Marian and Samantha and grandchildren.
