You may not have heard of him, but you’ve heard his music…
Disney has lost another legend, George Wilkins. He passed away at the age of 90 on November 9th. His musical arrangements were quite prominent throughout Disney Parks. Wilkins was born in Detroit where he found success as a backup vocalist and arrange for Patti Page, co-founded Doodletown Pipers, and composted music for Rankin/Bass productions. He joined Walt Disney Productions and worked under the legendary composer Buddy Baker.
Wilkins became the main composer and arranger of the music of EPCOT in 1981 when he became musical director for the EPCOT project. You’ll recognize his arrangements for songs such as Listen to the Land, Horizons, Kitchen Cabaret, and Journey Into Imagination. He also made contributions to The Living Seas and Test Track.
Music for EPCOT wasn’t his only notable compositions. The famous “Star Tunnel” soundscape in the Space Mountain queue is still used today. If you eat at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe you can enjoy the music of Sonny Eclipse also composed by Wilkins.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Source: WDWNT, Laughing Place, Chip & Company, EPCOT Legacy E82
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