Gender
Male
Born
Jul 14, 1943
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Died
Jun 24, 2026
Los Angeles, California, USA
Composer Arranger Orchestrator Musical Director Musical Supervisor Musician
Also Known As
William Harold Wheeler Jr. [Birthname]
Relations
Husband of
Hattie Winston (1978 - 2026) his death
See Also
  • CREDITS
    The Wiz (Apr 17, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Joseph Joubert; Original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
    Ain't Too Proud (Mar 21, 2019 - Jan 16, 2022)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Side Show (Nov 17, 2014 - Jan 04, 2015)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway (Nov 10, 2011 - Jan 01, 2012)
    Special, Original
    • Arrangements and orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, Michael Gibson, Larry Hochman, Mark Hummel, Michael John LaChiusa, Jim Laev, Richard Mann, Richard Marxx, JJ McGeehan, Danny Troob, Patrick Vaccariello, Don Walker and Harold Wheeler
    Lennon (Aug 14, 2005 - Sep 24, 2005)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mar 03, 2005 - Sep 03, 2006)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Never Gonna Dance (Dec 04, 2003 - Feb 15, 2004)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Hairspray (Aug 15, 2002 - Jan 04, 2009)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Sep 24, 2001 - Sep 24, 2001)
    Musical, Benefit
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Full Monty (Oct 26, 2000 - Sep 01, 2002)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Swing! (Dec 09, 1999 - Jan 14, 2001)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Little Me (Nov 12, 1998 - Feb 07, 1999)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Side Show (Oct 16, 1997 - Jan 03, 1998)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Life (Apr 26, 1997 - Jun 07, 1998)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Don Sebesky and Harold Wheeler
    Tommy Tune Tonite! (Dec 28, 1992 - Jan 03, 1993)
    Special, Original
    • Overture arranged by Mark Hummel; Overture and other numbers orchestrated by Don Sebesky; Arrangements and/or orchestrations by Michael Biagi, Randall Biagi, Wally Harper, Bob Holloway, Dick Lieb, Peter Matz, Michael Reeder, Alex Rybeck and Harold Wheeler
    Carrie (May 12, 1988 - May 15, 1988)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Anders Eljas, Harold Wheeler and Michael Starobin
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Jun 28, 1987 - Nov 29, 1987)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    Grind (Apr 16, 1985 - Jun 22, 1985)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Bill Byers; Additional orchestrations by Harold Wheeler and Jim Tyler
    Leader of the Pack (Apr 08, 1985 - Jul 21, 1985)
    Musical, Original
    • Opening dance sequence composed by Harold Wheeler
    • Opening dance sequence orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Three Musketeers (Nov 11, 1984 - Nov 18, 1984)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Larry Wilcox; Additional orchestrations by Bill Brohn, Harold Wheeler and Danny Troob
    The Wiz (May 24, 1984 - Jun 03, 1984)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Tap Dance Kid (Dec 21, 1983 - Aug 11, 1985)
    Musical, Original
    • Music arranged by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    • Vocal arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    Little Me (Jan 21, 1982 - Feb 21, 1982)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Dec 20, 1981 - Aug 11, 1985)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    Lena Horne: "The Lady and Her Music" (May 12, 1981 - Jun 30, 1982)
    Special, Original
    • Musical Director: Harold Wheeler
    The Wiz (Jan 05, 1975 - Jan 28, 1979)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Love for Love (Nov 11, 1974 - Nov 30, 1974)
    Play, Revival
    • Featuring songs by Harold Wheeler; Songs by Hugh Wheeler and Paul Gemignani
    Don't Play Us Cheap! (May 16, 1972 - Sep 30, 1972)
    Musical, Original
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    Two Gentlemen of Verona (Dec 01, 1971 - May 20, 1973)
    Musical, Original
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (Oct 20, 1971 - Jul 30, 1972)
    Musical, Original
    • Musical direction and supervision: Harold Wheeler
    • Musician: Harold Wheeler
    Coco (Dec 18, 1969 - Oct 03, 1970)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    Promises, Promises (Dec 01, 1968 - Jan 01, 1972)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Director: Harold Wheeler
    The Wiz (Feb 22, 2025 - May 31, 2026)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Joseph Joubert; Original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
    Ain't Too Proud (Dec 07, 2021 - Mar 03, 2024)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Nov 01, 2009 - Dec 26, 2010)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Aug 04, 2006 - Aug 19, 2007)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Hairspray (Sep 09, 2003 - Jun 25, 2006)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Full Monty (Apr 16, 2002 - Dec 14, 2003)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Full Monty (May 22, 2001 - Oct 27, 2001)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Swing! (Nov 20, 2000 - Jun 17, 2001)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Fame (Nov 09, 1998 - Apr 29, 2001)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler and Steve Margoshes
    Dreamgirls (Sep 30, 1997 - May 03, 1998)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Annie Warbucks (Aug 11, 1992 - Nov 22, 1992)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Oct 08, 1985 - Jun 14, 1987)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    The Tap Dance Kid (Aug 01, 1985 - Jul 06, 1986)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    • Vocal arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    The Wiz (Sep 16, 1983 - May 13, 1984)
    Musical, Revival
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Dreamgirls (Mar 17, 1983 - Jul 15, 1984)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
    The Wiz (Jun 23, 1978 - Jul 01, 1979)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    The Wiz (Jun 15, 1976 - Jul 07, 1979)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
    Two Gentlemen of Verona (Sep 20, 1973 - Apr 27, 1974)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Galt MacDermot and Harold Wheeler
    Two Gentlemen of Verona (Jan 20, 1973 - Oct 27, 1973)
    Musical, Original
    • Music orchestrated by Galt MacDermot and Harold Wheeler
    Promises, Promises (Sep 30, 1971 - Apr 15, 1972)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    Promises, Promises (Sep 16, 1971 - May 14, 1972)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
    Coco (Jan 11, 1971 - Jun 26, 1971)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance Music Continuity by Harold Wheeler
    Promises, Promises (May 11, 1970 - Jul 03, 1971)
    Musical, Original
    • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
  • AWARDS

    Tony Award®

     

    Best Orchestrations

    2019 | Nominee  | Ain't Too Proud
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

    Special Award for Lifetime Achievement

    2019 | Recipient
    Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    2005 | Nominee  | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    2003 | Nominee  | Hairspray
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    2001 | Nominee  | The Full Monty
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    2000 | Nominee  | Swing!
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    1999 | Nominee  | Little Me
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Best Orchestrations

    1997 | Nominee  | The Life
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

    Drama Desk Award

     

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    2005 | Nominee  | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    2004 | Nominee  | Never Gonna Dance
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    2003 | Winner  | Hairspray
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    2001 | Nominee  | The Full Monty
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    2000 | Nominee  | Swing!
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
     

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    1997 | Nominee  | The Life
    Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Apr 17, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Joseph Joubert; Original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
Ain't Too Proud (Mar 21, 2019 - Jan 16, 2022)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Side Show (Nov 17, 2014 - Jan 04, 2015)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway (Nov 10, 2011 - Jan 01, 2012)
Special, Original
  • Arrangements and orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, Michael Gibson, Larry Hochman, Mark Hummel, Michael John LaChiusa, Jim Laev, Richard Mann, Richard Marxx, JJ McGeehan, Danny Troob, Patrick Vaccariello, Don Walker and Harold Wheeler
Lennon (Aug 14, 2005 - Sep 24, 2005)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mar 03, 2005 - Sep 03, 2006)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Never Gonna Dance (Dec 04, 2003 - Feb 15, 2004)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Hairspray (Aug 15, 2002 - Jan 04, 2009)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Sep 24, 2001 - Sep 24, 2001)
Musical, Benefit
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Full Monty (Oct 26, 2000 - Sep 01, 2002)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Swing! (Dec 09, 1999 - Jan 14, 2001)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Little Me (Nov 12, 1998 - Feb 07, 1999)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Side Show (Oct 16, 1997 - Jan 03, 1998)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Life (Apr 26, 1997 - Jun 07, 1998)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Don Sebesky and Harold Wheeler
Tommy Tune Tonite! (Dec 28, 1992 - Jan 03, 1993)
Special, Original
  • Overture arranged by Mark Hummel; Overture and other numbers orchestrated by Don Sebesky; Arrangements and/or orchestrations by Michael Biagi, Randall Biagi, Wally Harper, Bob Holloway, Dick Lieb, Peter Matz, Michael Reeder, Alex Rybeck and Harold Wheeler
Carrie (May 12, 1988 - May 15, 1988)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Anders Eljas, Harold Wheeler and Michael Starobin
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Jun 28, 1987 - Nov 29, 1987)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
Grind (Apr 16, 1985 - Jun 22, 1985)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Bill Byers; Additional orchestrations by Harold Wheeler and Jim Tyler
Leader of the Pack (Apr 08, 1985 - Jul 21, 1985)
Musical, Original
  • Opening dance sequence composed by Harold Wheeler
  • Opening dance sequence orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Three Musketeers (Nov 11, 1984 - Nov 18, 1984)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Larry Wilcox; Additional orchestrations by Bill Brohn, Harold Wheeler and Danny Troob
The Wiz (May 24, 1984 - Jun 03, 1984)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Tap Dance Kid (Dec 21, 1983 - Aug 11, 1985)
Musical, Original
  • Music arranged by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
  • Vocal arrangements by Harold Wheeler
Little Me (Jan 21, 1982 - Feb 21, 1982)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Dec 20, 1981 - Aug 11, 1985)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
Lena Horne: "The Lady and Her Music" (May 12, 1981 - Jun 30, 1982)
Special, Original
  • Musical Director: Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Jan 05, 1975 - Jan 28, 1979)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Love for Love (Nov 11, 1974 - Nov 30, 1974)
Play, Revival
  • Featuring songs by Harold Wheeler; Songs by Hugh Wheeler and Paul Gemignani
Don't Play Us Cheap! (May 16, 1972 - Sep 30, 1972)
Musical, Original
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
Two Gentlemen of Verona (Dec 01, 1971 - May 20, 1973)
Musical, Original
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (Oct 20, 1971 - Jul 30, 1972)
Musical, Original
  • Musical direction and supervision: Harold Wheeler
  • Musician: Harold Wheeler
Coco (Dec 18, 1969 - Oct 03, 1970)
Musical, Original
  • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
Promises, Promises (Dec 01, 1968 - Jan 01, 1972)
Musical, Original
  • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Director: Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Feb 22, 2025 - May 31, 2026)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Joseph Joubert; Original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
Ain't Too Proud (Dec 07, 2021 - Mar 03, 2024)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Nov 01, 2009 - Dec 26, 2010)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Aug 04, 2006 - Aug 19, 2007)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Hairspray (Sep 09, 2003 - Jun 25, 2006)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Full Monty (Apr 16, 2002 - Dec 14, 2003)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Full Monty (May 22, 2001 - Oct 27, 2001)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Swing! (Nov 20, 2000 - Jun 17, 2001)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Fame (Nov 09, 1998 - Apr 29, 2001)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler and Steve Margoshes
Dreamgirls (Sep 30, 1997 - May 03, 1998)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Annie Warbucks (Aug 11, 1992 - Nov 22, 1992)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Oct 08, 1985 - Jun 14, 1987)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
The Tap Dance Kid (Aug 01, 1985 - Jul 06, 1986)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
  • Vocal arrangements by Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Sep 16, 1983 - May 13, 1984)
Musical, Revival
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Dreamgirls (Mar 17, 1983 - Jul 15, 1984)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
  • Musical Supervisor: Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Jun 23, 1978 - Jul 01, 1979)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
The Wiz (Jun 15, 1976 - Jul 07, 1979)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
Two Gentlemen of Verona (Sep 20, 1973 - Apr 27, 1974)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Galt MacDermot and Harold Wheeler
Two Gentlemen of Verona (Jan 20, 1973 - Oct 27, 1973)
Musical, Original
  • Music orchestrated by Galt MacDermot and Harold Wheeler
Promises, Promises (Sep 30, 1971 - Apr 15, 1972)
Musical, Original
  • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
Promises, Promises (Sep 16, 1971 - May 14, 1972)
Musical, Original
  • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler
Coco (Jan 11, 1971 - Jun 26, 1971)
Musical, Original
  • Dance Music Continuity by Harold Wheeler
Promises, Promises (May 11, 1970 - Jul 03, 1971)
Musical, Original
  • Dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler

Tony Award®

 

Best Orchestrations

2019 | Nominee  | Ain't Too Proud
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

Special Award for Lifetime Achievement

2019 | Recipient
Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

2005 | Nominee  | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

2003 | Nominee  | Hairspray
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

2001 | Nominee  | The Full Monty
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

2000 | Nominee  | Swing!
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

1999 | Nominee  | Little Me
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Best Orchestrations

1997 | Nominee  | The Life
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

Drama Desk Award

 

Outstanding Orchestrations

2005 | Nominee  | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Outstanding Orchestrations

2004 | Nominee  | Never Gonna Dance
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

Outstanding Orchestrations

2003 | Winner  | Hairspray
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Outstanding Orchestrations

2001 | Nominee  | The Full Monty
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Outstanding Orchestrations

2000 | Nominee  | Swing!
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler
 

Outstanding Orchestrations

1997 | Nominee  | The Life
Music orchestrated by Harold Wheeler

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