Gordon Goodwin was a jazz legend and also a contributor to the Disney Parks, film, and television musically. He was a pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor. He passed away suddenly this week at the age of 70.
Throughout his life and career, he contributed to the musical worlds that have helped tell stories that Disney fans know and love. He did this in many different parts of the musical process, both in the creation and the performance. His musical career started after college as a musician at Disneyland. He eventually would be asked to help with music for a new musical show that would feature past and present Mouseketeers, including Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. This kicked off a career that would see him work with many big names, including Ray Charles, Christina Aguilera, Johnny Mathis, John Williams, Natalie Cole, David Foster, Sarah Vaughan, Mel Tormé, Leslie Odom, Jr., Idina Menzel, Lang Lang, and Quincy Jones. He was also known for leading The Big Phat Band, which really is what brought him to prominence. He released multiple albums with the band. He also won three Daytime Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and 25 Grammy nominations for his compositions and arrangements throughout his career.
He also helped mentor college students through the years as a guest clinician for the Disneyland Resort All-American College Band. Most recently, he could be seen mentoring the band in 2022 in the following set at the Hollywood Backlot stage at Disney California Adventure. When he worked with the college band, he would help the students musically and also teach them about what the music business is like. Glimmers of this can be seen in this set:
Beyond mentoring students in the college band, Goodwin also helped create some favorite music that Disney fans have heard through the years. Many pieces of music can be heard in the Disney Parks that Goodwin helped bring to life. His Disney Parks credits include contributions to the following titles:
- Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration
- Dream Along with Mickey
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- The Spirit of Pocahontas
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure
- Festival of the Lion King
- Remember the Magic Parade
- Hercules Zero to Hero Parade
- Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade
- Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Goodwin’s music could also be heard in films that were shown on the screen. He contributed as a composer, orchestra, and conductor regularly for many different titles. He helped bring Animaniacs to life musically. He also lent his talents to The Incredits for The Incredibles, for which he earned Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Arrangement. His credits are numerous and show his involvement in many well-known titles, including National Treasure, Race to Witch Mountain, The Great Mouse Detective, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Remember the Titans, Armageddon, and even this year’s The Naked Gun.
The death of Gordon Goodwin is being felt today by friends and family as well as those who worked with him, were mentored by him, and those who watched him perform. He will be mourned but not forgotten. His legacy will continue to live on with his music and memories that live on in the parks, on the screen, and in albums.
Daps Magic sends out its heartfelt condolences to all those who are mourning Gordon Goodwin’s death. May his memory be a blessing.
