John Hallett S

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z


S = Soderstrom ("Sodie")

Emil Soderstrom. One of the “giants” in composing and arranging who, in my opinion, is yet to be “discovered” by many people, especially in recent years.

(photo: a pensive Emil at the piano. Courtesy of Robert Getz)

To quote from a friend’s book, “In the days before TV became dominant, the NBC (National Broadcasting Company) Radio Network was in Chicago. Emil was the staff arranger for twenty years. During that time he wrote for the ensemble du jour. There were some permanent players, but the ensemble varied. All broadcasts were live; recorded music was not yet of a quality for regular use. Emil would be given the day’s and evening’s assignments which might be as follows: “11 seconds for XYZ Soap Flakes, jingle theme attached. Fade in six. Jingle at the end.” Unlike today’s composers who may be given days, weeks or even moths to compose the necessary music, then to be carefully recorded and edited prior to airing, Sodie was always on the spot to deliver “now!” …Emil estimated that in his twenty years he wrote over 100,000 sheets of manuscript on this job.” (Robert Getz. "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius.” Newaygo, MI: INJ Offerings, 2008, p. 114)

Click on this to read Emil’s description of all of his writing for NBC.

"Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius" by Robert Getz is an outstanding account of the life of Emil Soderstrom or “Sodie” as he was affectionately called. You can order a copy by e-mailing the author at bobgetz@injofferings.com or by visiting his site: http://www.injofferings.com/ This book is a great read about an amazing figure in 20th century music. You will be inspired and challenged as you receive glimpses of a musical “genius.”

Emil was a man known by many people. On page 9 of "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius,” there is a picture of Emil looking over the shoulder at two young people playing horns. The caption reads,

“The master, friend of Sibelius & Gershwin, like his Master, stoops to help children…which is what he loved most. I was about this age when he took me in as a friend…for life!” (“me” is the author, Robert Getz).

John Hallett’s association with Emil spanned many years. Their friendship began with their connections to the Salvation Army. Both men were involved in writing for the Army, as well as conducting at band camps. John studied composition and arranging with Emil. Emil arranged and scored a number of John’s compositions, particularly when John was the music editor for Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company.

One interesting note: In 1972, as Emil was in a coma just before he passed away, Ruth Hallett sang gently into his ear “…Yes, Jesus loves me…” She said, “There he was, in a coma, and I couldn’t think of anything else to do!” Bob Getz recorded that in his book on p. 32 and Ruth also has related that story to me several times.

John and Emil combined their great gifts to give the church world some beautiful songs. These musical offerings were wonderfully arranged by a master arranger!

Below are some examples of Emil’s work with John. (click on image to enlarge)

(Click on image to enlarge)