Van Alexander(1915-2015)

Composer, bandleader, conductor, and author Van Alexander was educated at Columbia University, then formed his own orchestra playing in theatres and on radio, later arranging and conducting for radio. He was the chief conductor and arranger for Gordon MacRae and Sheila MacRae. His chief musical collaborator was Ella Fitzgerald, and he made many records. He joined ASCAP in 1941 and his popular song works include "I'll Close My Eyes", 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket", "Where, O Where Has My Little Dog Gone?", "Got A Pebble In My Shoe", "Bouillya Baise", and "There's A Ship Comin' In".