David Raksin
He composed the haunting standard 'Laura,' a masterpiece of film noir music that became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.
1912–2004 (age 92)·American composer·Birthday: August 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
David Raksin was the composer who helped bring a sophisticated, psychological depth to Hollywood's sound. Moving to Los Angeles after working with Charlie Chaplin on 'Modern Times,' Raksin found his signature moment with the 1944 film 'Laura.' Director Otto Preminger initially wanted to use a Gershwin tune, but Raksin fought for and wrote an original theme. The result was a sinuous, unforgettable melody that embodied obsession and memory, becoming a jazz standard recorded by hundreds of artists. This success established him as a leading voice in film scoring, where he was known for his meticulous craft and ability to weave complex character motifs into his music. For decades, from 'The Bad and the Beautiful' to television's 'Ben Casey,' Raksin's work provided an emotional backbone for stories, while his later career teaching at UCLA shaped generations of new composers.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
David was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2004Died at 92
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
Key Achievements
- Composed the music for the film 'Laura,' whose title theme became a jazz and pop standard.
- Received two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score for 'Forever Amber' and 'Separate Tables.'
- Served as the president of the Composers and Lyricists Guild of America and taught at the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Composed scores for over 100 films and 300 television episodes across a career spanning six decades.
Did You Know?
He was a student of the composer Arnold Schoenberg.
His son, Alex Raksin, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writer.
Raksin famously said of his 'Laura' theme, 'I wrote it in a weekend, but it took me a lifetime to learn how.'
“A good film composer is one who makes you think you haven't heard any music.”
