About
Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer best known for his work in film and on Broadway. He worked on such productions as "Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall" from 1962, "Mary Poppins" from 1964, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" from 1968, and "Mickey's Christmas Carol" from 1983.
Before Fame
He was a staff arranger for 'Design for Listening,' an NBC radio program based in his hometown of Chicago. He provided music for Sid Caesar's 'Your Show of Shows' and 'The Garry Moore Show' before moving to Broadway and film.
Trivia
He won Academy Awards for collaborating on the scores for "West Side Story" from 1961 and "The Sound of Music" from 1965.
Family Life
He was one of four children born to James and Emma Kostal. He was married to his wife Sylvia until his death.
Associated With
He continued working in television following his film and Broadway success, especially if Carol Burnett, Leonard Bernstein, or Lucille Ball requested his talents.
