Jimmy MacDonald, 68; Composer, Pianist
James L. (Jimmy) MacDonald, a composer and cafe society pianist who also arranged for television shows, died July 8 at his Tarzana home of a heart attack.
The composer of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential campaign song “I Love the Sunshine of Your Smile,” “At a Sidewalk Penny Arcade” and several other songs was 68.
MacDonald spent more than 25 years performing in night clubs, hotels and resorts across the country. Locally he appeared at Scandia, Tracton’s, Tail o’ the Cock and Chadney’s and at the Bel-Air, Beverly Hilton, Biltmore and Ambassador hotels.
He was a writer of jingles for products ranging from Hawaiian Punch to savings and loan associations and accompanied many popular club singers, among them Eartha Kitt, Billy Daniels and the Four Knights and more.
Survivors include his wife, Londa, five children and four grandchildren.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
