Harold Wheeler, the longtime musical director for the American television show Dancing With the Stars, died on Wednesday, June 24, at the age of 82 following a lengthy illness. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles, as confirmed by longtime family friend and Broadway producer Lamar Richardson.
Musical Director for 17 Seasons
Wheeler served as musical director and composer for the first 17 seasons of Dancing With the Stars, the American spin-off of Strictly Come Dancing. He worked on the show from its debut in 2005 until his departure in 2014, before the 18th season. The show featured former Britain's Got Talent star Bruno Tonioli as one of the judges.
Broadway and Awards Career
Before his television work, Wheeler was a renowned Broadway orchestrator. He received a Tony Award in 2019 for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Reflecting on his career, Wheeler told The Hollywood Reporter: "I was going to thank every cast member for every show I’ve ever been in, until I realised I’ve done 30 Broadway shows."
He began his Broadway career in 1968 at age 25, when Burt Bacharach selected him to orchestrate Promises, Promises.
High-Profile Events and Television Work
Wheeler also contributed to major events: in 1996, he conducted the opening and closing ceremonies for the Summer Olympics; in 2004, he was Music Conductor for the 76th Academy Awards; and in 2007, he served as music arranger for the 79th Oscars. His television credits include The Magical World of Disney, The Jacksons: An American Dream, and Homefront, as well as Broadway-to-TV specials such as Hairspray, Dreamgirls, and Love! Valour! Compassion!
Tributes from the Music World
News of Wheeler's death prompted an outpouring of tributes. The Temptations posted on Facebook: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true musical titan and dear friend, Harold Wheeler. As the brilliant orchestrator for Ain’t Too Proud, Harold masterfully brought our story and the Classic Five sound to life on the Broadway stage. The music world has lost a giant, but his genius lives on in the harmonies he left behind."
Composer Bill Russell wrote: "I am so saddened to hear of Harold Wheeler's passing... he orchestrated 3 shows I wrote with Henry Krieger... he would work in his hotel room, no keyboard or other instrument and in the case of Side Show write charts for 24 instruments! ... plus he was just a great hang... I am so lucky to have known him."
Entertainment reporter George Pennacchio said: "He was the nicest of men. I chatted with Harold Wheeler many, many times over the 17 seasons he spent as the musical director of Dancing With The Stars.... May he R.I.P."
Film and TV composer Marc Shaiman reflected: "Harold Wheeler was a great man and a phenomenal orchestrator... My heart goes out to his wonderful wife, Hattie Winston Wheeler, and family. This is a great loss, but he sure did make use of the time and talent God graced him with. Here’s to Harold Wheeler, one of the all-time greats!"
