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 |
