Paul Weston was a conductor and arranger for such musical greats as Rudy Vallee and Bing Crosby and a founder of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Weston's career spanned nearly 50 years, and he worked with many artists, including Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Dinah Shore, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney. But his favorite partnership was with his wife, singer Jo Stafford, with whom he created the fictional duo of Jonathan and Darlene Edwards, a farcical lounge act whose antics earned the pair a cult following — and the 1960 Grammy for best musical comedy performance.
In addition to being a founder of the recording academy, Weston served as its first national president. He also served as an executive with Capitol Records and Columbia Records and was musical director for NBC-TV for five years beginning in 1957.
As a composer, Weston was responsible for such pop songs as "Day by Day," "I Should Care," "Shrimp Boats" and "Autumn in Rome."
"His talent was only exceeded by his sweet personality," said longtime family friend Jan Sarnoff.
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