Jazz musician and TV and Film composer Neal Hefti has died at the age of 55.
Born in Hastings, Nebraska, the musician, probably best known for his 'Batman' TV theme, started his career playing trumpet for Woody Herman, but in the sixties began work on movie themes, composing music for productions such as 'Sex And The Single Girl', 'How To Murder Your Wife' and 'Barefoot In The Park'.
His work as a jazz artist and arranger was most prolific, however. During the course of his career, he arranged and conducted for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich and Count Basie. He also led his own big band during the fifties.