Award winning songwriter and lyricist Ray Evans has died at the age of 92. Known for his sixty year musical partnership with Jay Livingston, Evans co-wrote themes for TV shows such as Mr Ed and Bonanza, and songs for a number of films, including three Oscar winners, 'Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)', 'Mona Lisa' and 'Buttons And Bows'. The pair, contracted to Paramount in the forties and fifties, also wrote music and lyrics for two Broadway musicals, 'Oh Captain!' and 'Let It Ride'.
Frederick Nicholas, Evans' lawyer for many years, told reporters he had spoken to him shortly before his death on Thursday, saying "he was just full of energy and excitement. When I heard last night that he died, I couldn't believe it".