George Wyle



George Wyle was an American orchestra leader and composer best known for the writing the "Gilligan's Island," possibly the most famous television theme song of all time. Wyle was born Bernard Weissman on March 22, 1916 in New York City. Through the Forties and Fifties, his orchestra served as backup for a number of Columbia Records singers, including Doris Day. He wrote over 400 songs in his career, including the Christmas song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," which was first recorded by Andy Williams in 1963. He also served as the musical director for "The Flip Wilson Show" and "The Brady Bunch Comedy Hour" in the 70s, for "John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together" in 1979 and for the David Copperfield CBS specials through the 80s. He served on the Board of Directors of The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers from 1979 to 2003. In 2001, he played himself in a recreation of the writing of the The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle on Surviving Gilligan's Island.

Sadly, Wyle passed away May 2, 2003; he was survived by his grandson, musician Adam Levy.

Episode(s)

 * Surviving Gilligan's Island (as himself)