Scott Bradley

Full biography Scott Bradley

Scott Bradley (1891-1977) was an American composer who is best known for his musical scores for classic cartoons. He worked as a staff composer for MGM Studios, writing the music for many of the studio's most popular cartoons, including Tom and Jerry, Droopy, and Tex Avery's cartoons. Bradley was known for his innovative approach to cartoon music and his ability to create soundscapes that closely mirrored the action on the screen.

Bradley was a highly-trained musician who had a background in classical music. He studied music composition under Arnold Schoenberg and had a deep understanding of music theory and classical orchestration. He also played the piano, and often conducted the orchestras for his own scores.

One of Bradley's most innovative approaches was to create music that closely matched the on-screen action. He would watch the cartoons repeatedly and carefully synchronize his scores to the movements of the characters. His scores were filled with complex rhythms, intricate melodic lines, and a great sense of humor. Bradley also utilized a variety of instruments in his scores, including jazz instruments such as the saxophone and trumpet.

Despite his success in creating cartoon music, Bradley also composed music for live action films. He even received an Oscar nomination for his score for the 1958 film Houseboat. Bradley's music has been influential for many contemporary composers who work in the field of animation and film music.

Overall, Scott Bradley was a highly talented and innovative composer who was instrumental in shaping the sound of classic cartoons. His music brought joy to millions and his approach to film scoring continues to inspire composers to this day.