howard hughes & david tattersall

The Unlikely Duet: Howard Hughes & David Tattersall

This is a story not about music, but about two eccentric figures who found themselves intertwined in a strange musical odyssey.

On one side, we have Howard Hughes, the billionaire aviator, film producer, and enigmatic recluse. Known for his obsessive-compulsive personality and fascination with technology, he was a man of many quirks. He owned a fleet of airplanes, designed his own airplane, and even built his own hotel in Las Vegas, all while fearing germs and often choosing to communicate with the world through his lawyers.

On the other side, David Tattersall, a British composer and conductor, known for his playful, whimsical music. He was a master of orchestration, creating intricate and captivating soundscapes. He had a passion for the unusual and the comedic, composing music for silent films, documentaries, and even a film about the life of King Arthur.

Their paths crossed when Hughes, in the 1940s, hired Tattersall to write a “humorous” orchestral score for his latest film project, “The Outlaw.” This film, about a notorious gunslinger and his love for a beautiful woman, was notorious for its controversial themes and its lavish production. The music, however, was anything but controversial.

The score was a masterpiece of the absurd. Imagine a rousing symphony accompanying a gunfight, a delicate waltz during a passionate kiss, and a whimsical flute solo as the hero gallops away on his horse. The score was so over-the-top, so unexpected, that it became a cult classic in its own right.

Funny Facts:

• Hughes was known for his intense scrutiny of everything. He had Tattersall compose multiple versions of each piece, even down to the slightest variation in tempo or instrumentation.
• Tattersall was not exactly a “yes-man.” He was known for pushing back against Hughes’s demands, often with humor. He would even insert hidden jokes into the score, knowing that only Hughes, with his obsession for detail, would pick up on them.
• The “humorous” score was so well-received that it even earned Tattersall a nominations for an Oscar. Hughes, however, was never seen at the ceremony, preferring to stay in his hotel room, fearing the crowds.

This unlikely partnership resulted in a unique and unforgettable score that reflected the eccentricities of both Hughes and Tattersall. Though their personalities clashed, their collaboration birthed a masterpiece that continues to entertain and intrigue audiences today.