LAMAMIMET

Harold Wheeler was a distinguished American orchestrator, composer, conductor, arranger, record producer, and music director. Born William Harold Wheeler Jr. on July 14, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, he became a pioneering figure in American musical theatre and television. Wheeler made history as the first African-American musical director of a major pop act, working with Burt Bacharach, and later collaborated with artists such as Nina Simone and Tony Orlando.

Wheeler's Broadway career was marked by his exceptional orchestrations and musical supervision. He worked on a wide array of productions, including 'The Wiz', 'Dreamgirls', 'Hairspray', 'Ain't Too Proud', and 'Side Show'. His work earned him multiple Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations, and he won the 2003 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestrations for 'Hairspray'. In 2019, he was honored with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater.

In television, Wheeler served as musical director for ABC’s 'Dancing With the Stars' for its first 17 seasons, becoming a familiar presence to millions of viewers. He also made significant contributions to the Academy Awards, serving as Music Conductor for the 76th ceremony and as a music arranger for the 79th. Additionally, he conducted during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Beyond the stage and screen, Wheeler had a notable presence in the recording industry. He produced and arranged for artists like Nina Simone and Meco, and contributed to soundtracks for films such as 'The Wiz' and 'Straight Out of Brooklyn'. His legacy also includes mentoring emerging talent and advocating for diversity in the music industry. Wheeler passed away on June 25, 2026, at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy in music and theatre.