Oscar-nominated songwriter Arthur Hamilton has died aged 98. The legendary writer was the mastermind behind classics such as Cry Me A River, sung by Julie London, Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Cocker amongst others, and classic Sing a Rainbow, which became a beloved childrens classic.
His death was announced by ASCAP, who said in a statement: “The ASCAP family is saddened to learn that legendary songwriter and longtime ASCAP Board member Arthur Hamilton has passed away. Arthur wrote such classic songs as “Cry Me a River,” “Sing a Rainbow” and “She Needs Me,” & more. His legacy will forever burn brightly in our hearts.” His cause of death has not been confirmed.
Hollywood composer Hamilton was nominated for an Oscar for Best Song for Till Love Touches Your Life from Madron (1970), which was performed by Richard Williams and Jan Daley for the hit Western film, which starred Leslie Caron and Richard Boone.
His song Cry Me A River was sung by Ella Fitzgerald for 1955 film Pete Kelly’s Blues, but it did not make the final cut.
But Julie London then recorded her own rendition, which went to No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to be recorded by legends such as Ray Charles, Barbra Streisband, Aeroesmith ad Johnny Mathis. It was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2015.
Speaking about the success of the song, Hamilton told The Wall Street Journal in 2010: “I just liked the combination of words.
“Instead of ‘Eat your heart out’ or ‘I’ll get even with you,’ it sounded like a good, smart retort to somebody who had hurt your feelings or broken your heart.
“Its general use as a put-down phrase has continued to delight and amaze me. Whenever my wife and I are watching a film or TV show and the phrase is used, we laugh and gently punch each other.”
His love of producing Hollywood hits came from his parents, as his father was a songwriter and orchestrator who worked on films including His Night Out (1935), Jane Withers’ Little Miss Nobody (1936) and Sweetheart of the Navy (1937). His mother wrote lyrics for her husband’s songs.