Mort Greene; Lyricist, TV Writer
Mort Greene, a television writer and song lyricist who put words to the themes of such TV shows as “Leave It to Beaver,” “Tales of Wells Fargo” and “Buckskin,” died Monday in Rancho Mirage after what a family spokeswoman said was a massive stroke.
Greene, who was 80, was nominated for an Academy Award for the lyrics to “There’s a Breeze on Lake Louise,” from the 1942 film “Mayor of 44th Street” and an Emmy for comedy writing in the 1962-63 season of “The Red Skelton Hour.”
His other songs include “Nevada,” “Thrilled,” “Stars in Your Eyes,” “Sleepy Serenade” and “High Society.” They were recorded by orchestras ranging from Phil Harris to Claude Thornhill to Woody Herman and sung by such artists as Frank Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters.
He also contributed to the Bob Crosby, “Laugh In” and Johnny Carson TV programs.
He is survived by his daughters, Melissa and Nicki, a brother, Robert, and longtime companion Louise Cornell.
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