Raymond Scott (born Harry Warnow, September 10, 1908 - February 8, 1994) was an American composer, band leader, pianist, engineer, recording studio maverick, and electronic instrument inventor.
Scott never scored cartoon soundtracks, but his music is familiar to millions because Carl Stalling adapted it in over 120 classic Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and other Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies animated shorts.
Scott's compositions may also be heard in contemporary shows like The Ren & Stimpy Show (which use the original Scott recordings in twelve episodes), The Simpsons, Duckman, Animaniacs, The Oblongs, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Batfink.
The only time Scott actually composed to accompany animation were three 20-second electronic commercial jingles for County Fair Bread in 1962.
The cartoon connection
In 1943 Scott sold his music publishing to Warner Bros., who allowed Carl Stalling, music director for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, to adapt anything in the Warner music catalog.
Stalling immediately began peppering his cartoon scores with Scott quotes, such as in The Great Piggy Bank Robbery. Besides being used in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, Scott's tunes have been licensed to propel the hijinks of The Simpsons, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Animaniacs, The Oblongs, Batfink, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Duckman cartoons. "Powerhouse" was quoted ten times in the Warner Brothers feature Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003).
Death
On February 8, 1994, he died of pneumonia in North Hills, Los Angeles, California.
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