Ernie Hatrak was an American composer, songwriter, author, conductor, arranger, pianist, and teacher, best known for his work on “The Ernie Kovacs Show.” He was influential in the music scene from the 1940s through the 1950s and educated at Juilliard.
Personal and Family Life
Born Edward D. Hatrak on August 6, 1920, in Trenton, New Jersey, he lived there for most of his life. Hatrak had a passion for music from a young age, which led him to pursue a career in this field. He was known for his dedication to teaching and nurturing new talent in music.
Career Highlights
Hatrak worked as a music director at WTTM in Trenton from 1941 to 1943 and later as a conductor and accompanist to Belle Baker. His career flourished when he became the music director for Ernie Kovacs’ television show from 1952 to 1954. Hatrak also had a productive relationship with collaborator Gene Arzo, creating several popular compositions.
Death and Legacy
Ernie Hatrak passed away on April 20, 2010, in Trenton, New Jersey. His contributions to music, particularly in television, left a lasting impact on the industry. He is remembered not only for his compositions but also for his role as a mentor and educator in the field of music.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Ernie Kovacs Show | Regular | 1952-1953 |
| The Ernie Kovacs Show | Music Director, Pianist, Arranger | 1952-1956 |