Eliot Daniel; Composer of ‘I Love Lucy’ Theme Song

Eliot Daniel, 89, who composed the theme song for the indelible television sitcom “I Love Lucy.” Daniel, a fixture among Hollywood musicians for many years, wrote the music on condition that his name not be attached to it. He considered himself a “movie guy” and was reluctant to be associated with television. He also believed that the comedy starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz would never last. Later, Daniel did seek credit and received royalties from syndicated reruns for the rest of his life. Born in Boston, Daniel served in 1957 and 1958 as president of the 16,000-member Musicians Union Local 47. During his controversial administration, Daniel presided over a dispute with national union leaders over trust fund policies and led a strike against six motion picture studios. On Saturday in Placerville, Calif., of cancer.