Month: August 2011

The Virginian composer Jack Hayes (1919-2011)

Composer Jack Hayes died recently at the age of 92. In partnership with Leo Shuken he was responsible for many TV Western scores on Gunsmoke, Wagon Train and Riverboat among others. When Shuken died in 1976 Hayes continued to compose solo for shows such as Quincy M.E. and to orchestrate numerous film scores including The Color Purple (1985) for which he received an Academy Award nomination. In 2009, Hayes was awarded honors from the Society of Composers & Lyricists and the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC), for his long career in films and television.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 3 at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 7390 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Here is Shuken and Hayes’ theme for the opening title credits to “Legacy of Hate” (5:01)

Sara Lane # 4

 Sara Lane consistently heads the list for the greatest number of searches on my site.  She is obviously one of the most popular cast members of The Virginian. There is no doubt the caring sensitivity of her character makes a pleasant change from so many aggressive females on television today. Elizabeth Grainger has grown better with age and the charm of Sara Lane has gained her many new fans.