|
Consider watching the X-Files without the opening music theme. It's unimaginable. As a
matter of fact, you can probably hear the eerie notes in your head.
The music soundtrack for a science fiction show is not just background accompaniment; it's
a healthy part of the show. Not only can the music define how we as the viewers feel but
it can also help us to understand what the characters are emotionally experiencing.
Bronx-born Joe Harnell has mastered the art of what I just described above. Composing
such intense musical scores for hit science fiction shows we all remember, such as "The
Incredible Hulk," "The Bionic Woman" and "V", Joe's music has been with us throughout our
childhood and adult years.
At the ripe age of 6 years old, Joe, who now resides in California with his wife, Alice,
was "told" by his parents to begin taking piano lessons. "I grew to love it more than
anything!" Joe recalls.
By the time he was 10 years old, he was already hopping the Trolley and the "A" subway
train to the Strand Theatre Building in New York for more musical training, which included
listening to other players. As a side-adventure, he'd visit the popular music store
Manny's in the heart of the Big Apple, often coming home with music stands and anything
else he could buy at that time. Joe's commitment to music was, and still is, a passionate
obsession that has led him down the path to success.
In high school, Joe knew music would be a major part of his life. Joe remembers
enthusiastically, "I studied all the instruments to see 'how they worked' and actually
became proficient enough on trombone to get a music scholarship, for trombone, to the
University of Miami."
He recalls that his very first musical arrangement sounded awful, but that didn't stop
him! His hard work landed him a scholarship to Julliard as well as the University of
Miami, and after giving it much thought, Joe decided to attend the University of Miami
since his family had moved to Florida.
Joe's big fear was being drafted for the war, but his love for music helped him get
through his military years. In 1943, Joe entered the Air Force and received scholarships
to study in France and England, while touring with the Glenn Miller Air Force Band. After
serving well-used time, Joe was discharged from the Air Force in 1946. It was at this
point that Joe was able to resume his professional life as a musician. However, he wasn't
without a hobby. Joe proudly states, "I have owned 6 airplanes and since I began flying
in 1947, I have logged 6,000 hours of flying time."
Joe returned to Miami Beach and began playing the piano in the local hotels. He
established his name and was introduced to members of the music community. He studied
composition with Aaron Copland, Darius Milhaud and Oliver Massien. He also conducted with
Leonard Bernstein. Then his lucky break happened -- he was hired by Harry Richman. This
began Joe's career as accompaniest, arranger and conductor for famous people, such as Judy
Garland, Shirley MacLaine, Pearl Bailey, Lena Horne and Marlene Dietrich. His dream of
success had finally come true!
However, with dreams comes reality. An almost-fatal accident occurred that left Joe's
family members and friends stricken with fear. "In 1962," Joe remembers, "while working on
a film near Toronto, Canada, I was in a devastating automobile accident. After being in a
coma for 7 days, I was left with multiple fractures throughout my entire body -- including
my right hand, which was almost totally destroyed. The doctor caring for me said that it
was fortunate that I was left-handed and could write music, because I'd never play piano
with that hand again. However, after surgeries, and with much perseverance, physical
therapy, and sheer will, I recovered my ability to play. My first recording after the
accident was my 1963 Grammy winning record of 'Fly Me to the Moon.'"
After a much-needed recovery, Joe was back in his hometown of New York, ready to pursue
his musical career. "Before coming to Philadelphia to be musical director of The Mike
Douglas Show in 1967, I was musical director of an advertising agency in New York, Grey
Advertising, where I was responsible for many commercials, 'Let Hertz Put You in the
Driver's Seat,' and 'Happiness is...the taste of Kent (cigarettes),' among others."
With a name behind his music, Joe headed off to California where he became acquainted with
Ken Johnson, a writer and director of science fiction television movies and shows, such as
"Alien Nation". To this day, Joe and Ken are still working together and have just
finished re-mastering the soundtrack for "V: The Original" for its upcoming DVD release
this year.
Working on re-mastering the "V" score has reminded Joe of some fond memories. "In 1990 I
was selected as the U.S. representative to judge an international music competition in
Kazakhstan (former USSR). I was also invited to teach at the School of Music at the
University of Vienna. I was with Pearl Bailey on many different occasions -- one being at
the White House playing for then President Gerald Ford and another time playing for the
Shah of Iran."
Besides being a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musician, as well as being invited by the
Motion Picture Academy to conduct and moderate a six-week series of guest lectures, Joe
currently teaches a film scoring class at the University of Southern California. In
addition, as if Joe didn't already have enough to keep him busy, he recently just finished
his first book called "Counterpoint," which tells his life story.
Joe Harnell is an incredibly well-spoken, delightful man. His wife fully supports his
work. "Alice and I met in 1984, when introduced by mutual friends. I have 4 sons, ages
43, 39, 37, and 31. Alice has two sons, 47 and 42, and two grandchildren, a grandson who
is 15 years old and a granddaughter (finally, a girl!) who is 10. Alice is my fourth wife
(I finally got it right!) and we have been married for 15 years."
Through his music, Joe communicates the thoughts of the directors and actors, while
putting a little piece of himself in each musical score. Since he is contracted for the
work, Joe has the right to hire the orchestra -- made up of musical players of his choice.
Joe is also currently working on some new projects, so be sure to visit his website at
http://www.joeharnell.com to find out more information.
|
"The Sounds Behind the Story"
