Tag Archives: Walt Disney Records

May 11, 1913 – Composer, Arranger, and Disney Legend Salvador “Tutti” Camarata is Born

On May 11, 1913, Salvador “Tutti” Camarata was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He studied music at Julliard, and began his career playing trumpet for the likes of Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey, ­eventually becoming Dorsey’s lead trumpeter and arranger. In 1956, Camarata was hired by Walt Disney to form Disneyland Records, and work to expand the record company from its output of children’s music. Camarata brought in many of his connections in the music industry for concept albums, including Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima. Over a five-year period, Camarata supervised the recording of over 300 albums. His biggest success with the label was the idea of bringing Annette Funicello in as the first artist in residence. While looking for material for Funicello, Camarata discovered Richard and Robert Sherman, and brought them in to the label; they would eventually be the first staff songwriters of the company. He was honored as a Disney Legend in 2003 for his work with music in the company. Camarata passed away in 2005.