PASSINGS: Alan O’Day
- Share via
Alan O’Day
Songwriter had hit with ‘Undercover Angel’
Alan O’Day, 72, who wrote popular songs for other artists, including Helen Reddy and the Righteous Brothers, but scored his own No. 1 single with “Undercover Angel” in 1977, died Friday at his home in Westwood. The cause was cancer, according to his manager, Ken Kaufman.
“Undercover Angel,” with a bouncy, infectious melody, was also used for film and television soundtracks, including “Super 8” in 2011 and “Charlie’s Angels” in 2000.
Earlier, O’Day wrote “Rock and Roll Heaven,” a popular song for the Righteous Brothers, “Train of Thought,” recorded by Cher, “The Drum” for Bobby Sherman and “Angie Baby,” which was a No. 1 hit for Reddy in 1974.
Born in Hollywood, O’Day grew up in the Coachella Valley area. He later divided his time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
Among other projects, he co-wrote nearly 100 songs for the long-running CBS animated series “The Muppet Babies.”
From Times staff and wire reports
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
