Gordon Goodwin obit

Disney Legend Sadly Passes Away at Age 70

 

He was not on the list.

The Disney community is mourning the loss of an extraordinary talent this week.

Gordon Goodwin, a celebrated composer, arranger, and musician whose work helped shape the sound of countless Disney memories, has passed away at the age of 70. His influence stretched across Disney Parks, film, television, and the broader world of music—leaving behind a career that inspired generations of performers and fans alike.

Goodwin wasn’t just a composer who contributed to Disney projects; he was someone who understood the emotional pulse of storytelling.

A Disney Career That Started in the Parks

Goodwin’s journey with Disney began at Disneyland, where he first worked as a musician. From there, his talent and versatility propelled him into arranging and composing for some of the most cherished theme-park shows and parades ever created.

His list of Disney Parks credits includes several fan favorites, such as:

Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration

Dream Along with Mickey

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

The Spirit of Pocahontas

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure

Festival of the Lion King

Remember the Magic Parade

Hercules Zero to Hero Parade

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

For many Disney fans, these shows weren’t just entertainment—they were milestones. Goodwin’s arrangements brought characters to life in ways that made guests feel fully immersed in the world unfolding around them.

A Celebrated Composer Far Beyond Disney Parks

Goodwin’s accomplishments extended far beyond the boundaries of Disney theme parks. He earned multiple Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Arrangement, including recognition for the beloved track “The Incredits” from Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004), as well as for “Rhapsody in Blue” (2011) and “On Green Dolphin Street” (2013). He received several additional Grammy nominations throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected arrangers in the industry.

Goodwin also made a name for himself in television, winning Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on Animaniacs in 1998 and 1999, along with Histeria! in 2000. His ability to work across genres—from emotional orchestral arrangements to comedic animation scores—demonstrated a rare artistic versatility.

A Prolific Presence in Disney Film and Television

His work within Disney’s film and television projects covered an impressive range. He played roles within the music departments of numerous productions, including:

The Great Mouse Detective

D2: The Mighty Ducks

Quack Pack

Tarzan and Tarzan 2: The Legend Begins

The Lion King 1½

Kronk’s New Groove

National Treasure

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Incredibles 2

Hocus Pocus 2

His final listed credit was as an additional orchestrator on The Naked Gun (2025), showing that even in the later years of his career, he continued contributing to major entertainment projects.

A Legacy Continued Through the Big Phat Band

Outside of Disney, Goodwin was renowned for leading Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, an 18-piece jazz orchestra known for its bold, explosive sound. The band earned a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Life in the Bubble (2014), and their influence on modern jazz remains unmistakable.

Through the Big Phat Band, Goodwin not only pushed creative boundaries but also mentored rising musicians who admired his sharp musical instincts and passion for innovation.

A Loss Felt Deeply in the Disney Community

For anyone who has enjoyed a parade, stage show, or musical performance at a Disney Park over the past several decades, Goodwin’s work has touched their experience—whether they realized it or not. His music shaped emotional moments, elevated live performances, and added a memorable musical identity to productions that have become Disney staples.

His arrangements played a central role in shows like Festival of the Lion King and parades like Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, helping transform simple entertainment into treasured memories.

Remembering a True Legend

Gordon Goodwin was more than a composer. He was a visionary whose work enhanced some of Disney’s most beloved entertainment offerings. From theme parks to films to award-winning jazz performances, his career showcased a level of talent and range that few artists ever achieve.

Though he is no longer with us, the music he created continues to echo through parades, stage shows, films, and recordings—ensuring that his legacy will live on for generations.

Composer

Space Shuttle Atlantis: Pre-Show (2013)

Space Shuttle Atlantis: Pre-Show

7.7

Short

Composer

2013

 

SMIGLY: Kind of Black and Blue

Video

Composer

2011

 

After the Headlines (2008)

After the Headlines

Short

Composer

2008

 

Tom and Jerry Tales (2006)

Tom and Jerry Tales

7.4

TV Series

Composer

2007–2008

11 episodes

 

Gordon Goodwin and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2007)

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Music Video

arranged by

2007

 

June Foray, Maurice LaMarche, Joe Alaskey, Bob Bergen, and Jim Cummings in Bah Humduck!: A Looney Tunes Christmas (2006)

Bah Humduck!: A Looney Tunes Christmas

6.3

Video

Composer

2006

 

The Legend of Tarzan (2001)

The Legend of Tarzan

6.7

TV Series

Composer

2001

1 episode

 

Histeria! (1998)

Histeria!

7.7

TV Series

Composer

1998–2000

52 episodes

 

Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, and Rob Paulsen in Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish (1999)

Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish

7.1

Video

Composer (as Gordon L. Goodwin)

1999

 

Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain (1998)

Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain

5.8

TV Series

Composer

1999

1 episode

 

Toonsylvania (1998)

Toonsylvania

7.0

TV Series

Composer

1998

1 episode

 

Pinky and the Brain (1995)

Pinky and the Brain

7.8

TV Series

Composer

1996–1998

4 episodes

 

Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, and Rob Paulsen in Animaniacs (1993)

Animaniacs

7.8

TV Series

Composer

1996–1998

4 episodes

 

James Brolin, Josh Brolin, Jennie Garth, and Salvator Xuereb in My Brother's War (1997)

My Brother's War

4.9

Composer

1997

 

Jeff Bennett, Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Frank Welker in Road Rovers (1996)

Road Rovers

7.0

TV Series

Composer

1996–1997

13 episodes

 

Freakazoid! (1995)

Freakazoid!

7.5

TV Series

Composer

1995–1997

7 episodes

 

The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries (1995)

The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries

7.0

TV Series

Composer

1996

2 episodes

 

In a Split Second

TV Movie

Composer

1994

 

Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa (1992)

Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa

7.2

TV Series

Composer

1992–1993

26 episodes

 

Charlie Hoover (1991)

Charlie Hoover

6.0

TV Series

Composer

1991

3 episodes

 

It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986)

It's Garry Shandling's Show.

7.7

TV Series

Composer

1988

1 episode

 

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!

4.6

Composer

1978

 

Music Department

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson in The Naked Gun (2025)

The Naked Gun

6.4

additional orchestrator

2025

 

Sweetwater (2023)

Sweetwater

6.1

score arrangement

2023

 

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Hocus Pocus 2

6.0

additional orchestrator

2022

 

Archie Yates in Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)

Home Sweet Home Alone

3.6

orchestrator

2021

 

The Oscars (2020)

The Oscars

6.6

TV Special

arranger

2020

 

The 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors (2019)

The 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors

7.8

TV Special

music arranger

2019

 

The Oscars (2019)

The Oscars

5.5

TV Special

arranger

2019

 

Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Brad Bird, Michelle Rodriguez, Bill Wise, Sarah Vowell, Eli Fucile, Mina Sundwall, Clarke Wolfe, Gillian Flynn, and Huck Milner in Incredibles 2 (2018)

Incredibles 2

7.5

orchestrator

2018

 

Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone in Grudge Match (2013)

Grudge Match

6.4

conductororchestrator

2013

 

Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Richard Coyle, and Rupert Friend in 5 Days of War (2011)

5 Days of War

5.6

orchestra conductororchestrator

2011

 

Alex Pettyfer in I Am Number Four (2011)

I Am Number Four

6.1

conductororchestrator

2011

 

Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, and Teresa Palmer in The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

6.1

orchestra conductororchestrator

2010

 

Nicolas Cage, Penélope Cruz, Jon Favreau, and Tracy Morgan in G-Force (2009)

G-Force

5.1

conductororchestrator

2009

 

12 Rounds (2009)

12 Rounds

5.6

conductororchestrator

2009

 

Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Alexander Ludwig in Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

Race to Witch Mountain

5.7

conductororchestrator

2009

 

My Little Pony Live! The World's Biggest Tea Party (2008)

My Little Pony Live! The World's Biggest Tea Party

5.1

Video

additional arrangementsorchestrations

2008

 

Anne Hathaway, Steve Carell, and Dwayne Johnson in Get Smart (2008)

Get Smart

6.5

conductororchestrator

2008

 

Nicolas Cage in National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

6.5

supervising orchestrator

2007

 

Isla Fisher, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg in Hot Rod (2007)

Hot Rod

6.7

conductororchestrator

2007

 

The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007)

The 79th Annual Academy Awards

7.1

TV Special

music arranger

2007

 

June Foray, Maurice LaMarche, Joe Alaskey, Bob Bergen, and Jim Cummings in Bah Humduck!: A Looney Tunes Christmas (2006)

Bah Humduck!: A Looney Tunes Christmas

6.3

Video

music composed and conducted byorchestration

2006

 

Mel Gibson in Payback: Straight Up (2006)

Payback: Straight Up

7.4

Video

conductororchestrator

2006

 

Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher in The Guardian (2006)

The Guardian

6.9

conductororchestrator

2006

 

James Franco in Flyboys (2006)

Flyboys

6.5

orchestrator

2006

 

Samuel L. Jackson and Nathan Phillips in Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Snakes on a Plane

5.5

orchestrator

2006

 

Glory Road (2006)

Glory Road

7.2

orchestrator

2006

 

Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff, Eugene Levy, Kevin G. Schmidt, Jacob Smith, Tom Welling, Liliana Mumy, Taylor Lautner, Brent Kinsman, Shane Kinsman, Alyson Stoner, Morgan York, Blake Woodruff, and Forrest Landis in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)

Cheaper by the Dozen 2

5.6

score conducted by

2005

 

Kronk's New Groove (2005)

Kronk's New Groove

5.8

Video

orchestrations by

2005

 

The Great Raid (2005)

The Great Raid

6.6

orchestrator

2005

 

Tarzan 2: The Legend Begins (2005)

Tarzan 2: The Legend Begins

5.5

Video

orchestrator

2005

 

Samuel L. Jackson and Clyde Goins in Coach Carter (2005)

Coach Carter

7.3

conductororchestrator

2005

 

Nicolas Cage in National Treasure (2004)

National Treasure

6.9

conductor: orchestraorchestrator

2004

 

Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, Craig T. Nelson, Brad Bird, Sarah Vowell, and Spencer Fox in The Incredibles (2004)

The Incredibles

8.0

additional orchestrator

2004

 

Nathan Lane in The Lion King 1½ (2004)

The Lion King 1½

6.5

Video

orchestrator

2004

 

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys II (2003)

Bad Boys II

6.6

conductororchestrator

2003

 

Promotional Poster

Bad Company

5.6

conductor

2002

 

The 74th Annual Academy Awards (2002)

The 74th Annual Academy Awards

5.9

TV Special

orchestrator

2002

 

Jim Carrey and Laurie Holden in The Majestic (2001)

The Majestic

6.9

musician: saxophone (uncredited)

2001

 

The One (2001)

The One

5.9

orchestrator

2001

 

Texas Rangers (2001)

Texas Rangers

5.2

orchestrator

2001

 

Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans

7.8

orchestrator

2000

 

Promo Poster

Gone in 60 Seconds

6.5

conductororchestrator

2000

 

Debi Derryberry in Whispers: An Elephant's Tale (2000)

Whispers: An Elephant's Tale

5.0

orchestrator

2000

 

Promo Poster

Play It to the Bone

5.5

conductor

1999

 

Eric Close, Margaret Colin, and Dennis Haysbert in Now and Again (1999)

Now and Again

8.1

TV Series

orchestrator

1999

1 episode

 

Saffron Burrows in Deep Blue Sea (1999)

Deep Blue Sea

5.9

conductororchestrator

1999

 

Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain (1998)

Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain

5.8

TV Series

orchestrator

1999

1 episode

 

Will Smith and Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State (1998)

Enemy of the State

7.3

conductor: orchestraorchestrator

1998

 

Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston in Jack Frost (1998)

Jack Frost

5.5

orchestrator

1998

 

Liv Tyler, Bruce Willis, and Ben Affleck in Armageddon (1998)

Armageddon

6.7

conductororchestrator

1998

 

Joe Alaskey and Billy West in Looney Tunes Sing-Alongs (1998)

Looney Tunes Sing-Alongs

6.3

Video

orchestrator

1998

 

Quest for Camelot Sing-Alongs (1998)

Quest for Camelot Sing-Alongs

7.2

Video

orchestrator

1998

 

The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries (1995)

The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries

7.0

TV Series

orchestratorcomposer: additional music (uncredited)

1995–1997

3 episodes

 

Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric in Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

Speed 2: Cruise Control

4.0

orchestrator

1997

 

Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, and Ving Rhames in Con Air (1997)

Con Air

6.9

conductororchestrator

1997

 

Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, and Rob Paulsen in Animaniacs (1993)

Animaniacs

7.8

TV Series

composer: additional music (uncredited)

1996

2 episodes

 

Mika Boorem and Sancha Baucom in Disney Sing-Along Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World (1995)

Disney Sing-Along Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World

7.6

Video

music produced & arranged by

1995

 

The Outsider (1994)

The Outsider

4.7

orchestrator

1994

 

D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)

D2: The Mighty Ducks

6.1

orchestrator

1994

 

Christian Buenaventura and Tiffany Burton in Disney Sing Along Songs: Campout at Walt Disney World (1994)

Disney Sing Along Songs: Campout at Walt Disney World

7.1

Video

additional musical arrangements

1994

 

Actor

Gordon Goodwin, Richard Neil, Curran Barker, Olivia Dessy, Emily Goglia, and Jeremy Lee Staple in Knights of Swing (2023)

Knights of Swing

Mr. Hughes

2023

 

It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986)

It's Garry Shandling's Show.

7.7

TV Series

Jerome

1988

1 episode

 

Soundtrack

Reed Northrup, Nicholas Cirillo, Austin Zajur, and Siena Agudong in The 4:30 Movie (2024)

The 4:30 Movie

6.0

performer: "It Happened One Night"writer: "It Happened One Night"

2024

 

Luisa Guerreiro in The Toxic Avenger (2023)

The Toxic Avenger

5.9

performer: "It Happened One Night"writer: "It Happened One Night"

2023

 

Lang Lang in Lang Lang Plays Disney (2023)

Lang Lang Plays Disney

6.8

TV Special

arranger: "We Don't Talk About Bruno"

2023

 

Annette Bening and Bryan Cranston in Jerry and Marge Go Large (2022)

Jerry and Marge Go Large

6.9

writer: "It Happened One Night"

2022

 

Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling in Late Night (2019)

Late Night

6.5

writer: "It Happened One Night" (as Gordon L. Goodwin)

2019

 

Brent Spiner, Patrick Stewart, and Tom Hardy in Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

Star Trek: Nemesis

6.4

producer: "Blue Skies"

2002

 

Jim Carrey and Laurie Holden in The Majestic (2001)

The Majestic

6.9

arranger: "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" (Traditional), "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2"writer: "Blues in the Bucket"

2001

 

Joe Alaskey and Billy West in Looney Tunes Sing-Alongs (1998)

Looney Tunes Sing-Alongs

6.3

Video

arranger: "Warner Bros. Sing-Alongs Theme", "This is It!", "Call Me Wacky Daffy Duck", "The Daring Young Hare on The Flying Trapeze", "I Thought I Saw a Putty-Tat", "Hooray for Hollywood", "The U.S. Air Force Song"

1998

 

Quest for Camelot Sing-Alongs (1998)

Quest for Camelot Sing-Alongs

7.2

Video

arranger: "Warner Bros. Sing-Alongs Theme", "This Old Knight", "Look at Me I'm Robin Hood!", "No, No, No You Dont", "Are You Sleeping?"

1998

 

Lynsey McLeod in Sing Me a Story with Belle (1995)

Sing Me a Story with Belle

6.5

TV Series

writer: "Pluto's Fledgling"

1995–1997

 

Killer Tomatoes Eat France! (1992)

Killer Tomatoes Eat France!

3.9

arranger: "Theme"

1992

 

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!

4.6

arranger: "Theme from 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes'"music: "Puberty Love", "The Mindmaker Song", "Tomato Stomp", "Love Theme from 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes'"

1978

 

Producer

Gordon Goodwin and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2007)

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Music Video

music produced by

2007

 

Transportation Department

Daniel Wu, Richard Morton, and Paddy C. Courtney in Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom (2003)

Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom

7.9

Short

transportation

2003

 

Thanks

Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs': Still the Fairest of Them All (2001)

Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs': Still the Fairest of Them All

7.9

Video

thanks

2001

 

Self

The Tiara Talk Show (2013)

The Tiara Talk Show

TV Series

Self - Guest

2016

1 episode

 

Gordon Goodwin and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2007)

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Music Video

Self

2007