Disney Legend Sadly Passes Away at Age 70

The Disney community is mourning the loss of an extraordinary talent this week.

Gordon Goodwin, a celebrated composer, arranger, and musician whose work helped shape the sound of countless Disney memories, has passed away at the age of 70. His influence stretched across Disney Parks, film, television, and the broader world of music—leaving behind a career that inspired generations of performers and fans alike.

Goodwin wasn’t just a composer who contributed to Disney projects; he was someone who understood the emotional pulse of storytelling.

A Disney Career That Started in the Parks

Goodwin’s journey with Disney began at Disneyland, where he first worked as a musician. From there, his talent and versatility propelled him into arranging and composing for some of the most cherished theme-park shows and parades ever created.

His list of Disney Parks credits includes several fan favorites, such as:

• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration

• Dream Along with Mickey

• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

• The Spirit of Pocahontas

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure

• Festival of the Lion King

• Remember the Magic Parade

• Hercules Zero to Hero Parade

• Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade

• Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

For many Disney fans, these shows weren’t just entertainment—they were milestones. Goodwin’s arrangements brought characters to life in ways that made guests feel fully immersed in the world unfolding around them.

A Celebrated Composer Far Beyond Disney Parks

Goodwin’s accomplishments extended far beyond the boundaries of Disney theme parks. He earned multiple Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Arrangement, including recognition for the beloved track “The Incredits” from Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004), as well as for “Rhapsody in Blue” (2011) and “On Green Dolphin Street” (2013).

He received several additional Grammy nominations throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected arrangers in the industry.

Goodwin also made a name for himself in television, winning Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on Animaniacs in 1998 and 1999, along with Histeria! in 2000. His ability to work across genres—from emotional orchestral arrangements to comedic animation scores—demonstrated a rare artistic versatility.

A Prolific Presence in Disney Film and Television

His work within Disney’s film and television projects covered an impressive range. He played roles within the music departments of numerous productions, including:

• The Great Mouse Detective

• D2: The Mighty Ducks

• Quack Pack

• Tarzan and Tarzan 2: The Legend Begins

• The Lion King 1½

• Kronk’s New Groove

• National Treasure

• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

• Incredibles 2

• Hocus Pocus 2

His final listed credit was as an additional orchestrator on The Naked Gun (2025), showing that even in the later years of his career, he continued contributing to major entertainment projects.

A Legacy Continued Through the Big Phat Band

Outside of Disney, Goodwin was renowned for leading Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, an 18-piece jazz orchestra known for its bold, explosive sound. The band earned a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Life in the Bubble (2014), and their influence on modern jazz remains unmistakable.

Through the Big Phat Band, Goodwin not only pushed creative boundaries but also mentored rising musicians who admired his sharp musical instincts and passion for innovation.

A Loss Felt Deeply in the Disney Community

For anyone who has enjoyed a parade, stage show, or musical performance at a Disney Park over the past several decades, Goodwin’s work has touched their experience—whether they realized it or not. His music shaped emotional moments, elevated live performances, and added a memorable musical identity to productions that have become Disney staples.

His arrangements played a central role in shows like Festival of the Lion King and parades like Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, helping transform simple entertainment into treasured memories.

Remembering a True Legend

Gordon Goodwin was more than a composer. He was a visionary whose work enhanced some of Disney’s most beloved entertainment offerings. From theme parks to films to award-winning jazz performances, his career showcased a level of talent and range that few artists ever achieve.

Though he is no longer with us, the music he created continues to echo through parades, stage shows, films, and recordings—ensuring that his legacy will live on for generations.