Neal Hefti Dies

Neal Hefti, a Big Band trumpeter, composer and arranger best known for the themes to “The Odd Couple” and the original “Batman” TV series, died of an apparent heart attack Oct. 11 at his home near Los Angeles.

Hefti, 85, worked with and arranged music for Big Band greats including Woody Herman, Count Basie and Harry James before becoming a prominent composer.

He also created music for “Barefoot in the Park” and “Harlow.” The “Batman” theme was a Top 40 hit and earned Hefti a Grammy Award in 1966 for best instrumental theme.