ASCAP COMPOSER RALPH KESSLER DIES AT 88

On October 5th, 2007, composer, musician and long-time ASCAP member Ralph Kessler passed away. Born in The Bronx, New York on August 1, 1919, Kessler earned degrees in trumpet and composition from New York University and The Juilliard School. He wrote the original musical sketches the beloved musical Man Of La Mancha. In the 50s, Kessler turned to TV, arranging music for the Arthur Godfrey & Friends TV series; he later composed for Jag, Murder She Wrote, Hawaii Five-O, Tiny Toons and others, and his music company earned three Clio Awards for his work in TV commercials. Kessler was also active as a concert music composer, with pieces including a trumpet concerto, two tone poems and The Journey of Odysseus, which was performed at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall. Recently, Kessler spent his time as a classical concert producer in the Bay Area.

Ralph is survived by his three children, Ronny, Bob and Rory, and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

ASMAC Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 17840
Encino, CA 91416