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Charles Frederick Wolcott was an American composer and songwriter, who wrote and directed music for Disney films, such as The Reluctant Dragon, Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Make Mine Music, Fun and Fancy Free, and Song of the South.

Wolcott was born in Flint, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan where he formed his own band "Charley Wolcott and His Wolverines" in 1924-1927. Following his graduation, he joined Jean Goldkette's band as a jazz pianist and scored music for members of that group, such as Bix Beiderbecke, Joe Venuti, Tommy, and Jimmy Dorsey, as well as becoming an arranger for Johnny Green, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Al Jolson, George Burns, Gracie Allen, and Rudy Vallee.

He moved to Hollywood and soon began working at The Walt Disney Studios writing music for cartoon shorts, then feature films, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Bambi. By 1944, he had become General Musical Director. He also collaborated with Larry Morey to write songs for Cinderella, but their songs were scrapped.

In 1950, he transferred to MGM Studios as Associate General Musical Director before becoming General Music Director General Music Director in 1958 before leaving in 1961 to devote full time to the U.S. Baha'i Assembly. Two years later, he was named to the governing Universal House of Justice from 1963-1987 until his death. He was survived by his wife, Harriett Marshall Wolcott (January 12, 1905- July 26, 2008) and his daughters, Shelia and Marsha.

His other film contributions included Iceland, Joan of Paris, Blackboard Jungle, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Green Mansions, Home on the Hill, Fireman Save My Child, Gaby, and Key Witness.

Filmography[]

Year Film Position
1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Orchestrator - uncredited
1939 The Standard Parade Music supervisor - uncredited
1940 Pinocchio Orchestrator - uncredited
Mr. Duck Steps Out Composer - uncredited
Goofy's Glider Composer
1941 Dumbo Orchestrator - uncredited
The Nifty Nineties Composer - uncredited
The Art of Skiing Composer - uncredited
Chef Donald Composer - uncredited
The Reluctant Dragon Songwriter: "The Reluctant Dragon"
Composer: additional music - uncredited
1942 The Village Smithy Composer - uncredited
Mickey's Birthday Party Composer - uncredited
Bambi Orchestration
Saludos Amigos Songwriter: "Saludos Amigos"
Music direction
Composer: "Aquarela do Brasil"
1944 The Three Caballeros Composer
Arranger: "Zandunga" - uncredited
Music director
Songwriter: "Mexico"
"Pandeiro & Flute"
1946 Make Mine Music Composer - uncredited
Music director
Songwriter: "Two Silhouettes"
Composer: "After You've Gone"
Defense Against Invasion Composer - uncredited
Song of the South Composer - uncredited
Music director
Songwriter: "Sooner or Later" - uncredited
1947 Fun and Fancy Free Music director
1949 The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Songwriter: "The Merrily Song" - uncredited

External links[]