Billy Barnes, Acclaimed Composer and Lyricist Known for Laugh-In and Much More
Barnes was renowned for his live musical revues, which helped to launch the careers of such stars as Joanne Worley, Bet Convy and Ken Berry.
Billy Barnes, a composer and lyricist contributed witty songs to the TV series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, died September 24, 2012. He was 85.
According to news reports, the cause was complications from Alzheimer's disease.
A native of Los Angeles, Barnes first achieved fame for his 1958 live show, "The Billy Barnes Revue," at the Las Palmas Theater in Hollywood.
The show drew such acclaim that it moved the Broadway for a brief run the following year.
He continued to mount live revues in the ensuing years, and helped to launch numerous careers, including Joanne Worley, Bet Convy and Ken Berry.
Barnes also branched into television. In addition to Laugh-In, his TV credits included The Danny Kaye Show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The Carol Burnett Show, The Hudson Brothers' Razzle Dazzle Show and many others.
He also wrote opening production numbers for several Academy Awards telecasts.
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