George Wyle


George Wyle, born Bernard Weissman, was an American orchestra leader and composer best known for having written the theme song to 1960s television sitcom Gilligan's Island. He is also the grandfather of musician Adam Levy.

Early years

Wyle was born to a Jewish family. In the late 1940s and early 1950s his orchestra served as backup for a number of Columbia Records singers, including Doris Day. Some of the recordings were of his own compositions.

Songwriter

He wrote with Sherwood Schwartz The Ballad of Gilligan's Island, the theme song for Gilligan's Island. He also wrote the Christmas song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and more than 400 other songs. His chief musical collaborator was Eddie Pola.

Musical director

Wyle served as the musical director for The Flip Wilson Show during the early 1970s and also served the music director and arranger for. He served on the Board of Directors of The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers.