In my years of composing music for films and television, I’ve had the privilege of scoring a number of projects narrated by Walter Cronkite, but I’ve never had the chance to score a film about this amazing man - that is, until now.

This coming Wednesday evening (July 26 - check your local listings for broadcast times), the feature PBS primetime series “American Masters” will premiere a new film about the life of Walter Cronkite. It’s virtually impossible to remember the pivotal moments in recent history without seeing these moments as reported by Cronkite - the Kennedy assassination in Dallas, man’s first steps on the moon, Viet Nam - the list is virtually endless.

Produced by Tatge/Lasseur Productions for WNET/New York and PBS, this film focuses on the intriguing life of this CBS reporter and commentator as he led America through some of its most trying and difficult times, and in the process became known as “the most trusted man in America”.

You can listen to a few shortened music samples from the score, below. Although they will mean more when heard with the film, these music samples should at least give you a rough idea of how the score is woven into this documentary.
(click on the links below, or copy and paste these links into your browser)

“Opening Theme” Excerpt:
www.jdkmusic.com/samples/CronkiteSample1.mp3

“Remembrance” Excerpt:
www.jdkmusic.com/samples/CronkiteSample2.mp3

“Kennedy Assassination” Excerpt:
www.jdkmusic.com/samples/CronkiteSample3.mp3

“Triumph - Man on the Moon” Excerpt:
www.jdkmusic.com/samples/CronkiteSample4.mp3