Conti’s Road

I would like to rectify some omissions regarding certain people who helped me during my earlier days (“Conti’s ‘Rocky’ Road Leads to Rome and Back,” by Charles Champlin, Oct. 17).

While I was composing the score of my first American picture, “Blume in Love,” in Rome, Alan Peppe, the still photographer, helped persuade me to come to Hollywood where I stayed with him.

Peppe suggested I compose some music on speculation and took a tape with him when he started work on “Harry and Tonto.” He gave the tape to “Tonto’s” film editor, Richard Halsey, who played it for the director, Paul Mazursky. This led to my composing the score for “Tonto.”

Halsey then worked with director John Avildsen to whom he introduced me. Subsequently, Avildsen was signed to direct “Rocky” and recommended that I compose the score. Halsey and Avildsen won Oscars for “Rocky” and I was nominated for best original song.

BILL CONTI

Los Angeles