Biography
Born December 24, 1916, in New York City, Sid Feller earned his primary renown as the staff arranger and conductor at ABC Records who shaped Ray Charles’ landmark early-1960s albums. He first took up the trumpet during his Boy Scout years, later touring as a member of Jack Teagarden’s big band and then serving in the U.S. Army throughout World War II. Upon returning to civilian life he joined the Carmen Cavallaro orchestra, and in 1951 he moved to the Capitol Records roster, where he produced, arranged, and conducted dates for Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, and Nancy Wilson. Five years later he entered the newly established ABC-Paramount organization alongside fellow producers Don Costa and Creed Taylor; he stayed with the label for ten years, issuing two albums under his own name—Music to Break a Lease By and its sequel, More Music to Break a Lease By—while also overseeing sessions for Paul Anka, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gorme. His most celebrated work, however, came through his partnership with Ray Charles. When Charles proposed blending his established R&B style with the orchestral approach then emerging from Nashville, Feller initially urged the singer to abandon the notion, yet the project Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music became both a critical and commercial triumph. Feller departed ABC in 1965 and resettled in California, where he later served as musical director for the hit television program The Flip Wilson Show as well as for variety specials featuring Pat Boone, John Denver, and John Davidson. He additionally supervised a series of original-cast recordings drawn from Broadway successes.
Singles
