Battle of the Planets Composer Dies

Jason Hofius of Tatsunoko Fan Club USA has reported:

Sadly, I just learned that Hoyt Curtin passed away earlier this week. For those of you who are not aware, Mr. Curtin was the composer/conductor responsible for countless theme songs and incidental music libraries, most of which (but not all) were created for the Hanna-Barbera animation studios. Among his many accomplishments were the themes to The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo and of course, creating the American-made music for Battle of the Planets.

Mr. Curtin had essentially retired a couple years ago, but he still kept busy with his own musical aims. His last project was the Battle of the Planets soundtrack, where he acted as a Producer. It’s a real shame that he won’t be able to hear what all of his fans have to say about the CD and what his music meant to us. I don’t have any further details about his passing, but if I hear anything, I’ll try let you all know.

If anyone would like to send their thoughts along to his family, please mail a card or note to the Tatsunoko Fan Club USA address as soon as you can, and I’ll forward them along. Here is the fan club address:

Tatsunoko Fan Club USA
P.O. Box 19252
San Diego, CA 92159-9252

For the first time ever, the soundtrack for the Battle of the Planets series is being issued on CD. The CD will be the first official Battle of the Planets merchandise to be produced and sold in the U.S. since the early 80s! The release, from Super Tracks Music, will feature pieces that were heard throughout Battle of the Planets, including much of Hoyt Curtin’s stunning American-produced score (in stereo)! Along with Curtin’s score will be the original background music that was composed for the original Japanese version of Gatchaman by Bob Sakuma, also used in Battle of the Planets. The $17.95 CD should be available in record stores right around now.

Article courtesy of Nishiko Takeuchi-Bottom