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Mason Williams emerged in the late 1960’s as a strong force in television and
music circles. He is most widely known as composer and recording artist of mega
hit Classical Gas, which won three Grammy Awards for: “Best Instrumental
Composition”, “Best Instrumental Performance”, and “Best Instrumental Orchestra
Arrangement” (Mike Post, arranger).
In 1998, Broadcast Music, Inc., (BMI), presented Mason with a Special Citation
of Achievement in recognition of the great national and international popularity
of Classical Gas. It has logged over three million broadcast performances to
become the number one all time instrumental composition for air play in BMI’s
repertoire, replacing the previous #1 tune, The Theme From Moulin Rouge, by
Michel Legrande, released in 1953.
In 1987, Mason teamed up with Mannheim Steamroller to release an album on the
American Gramaphone label titled CLASSICAL GAS, a cut from this album, Country
Idyll, was a Grammy Nominee for “Best Country Instrumental Performance by a
Soloist, Group or Orchestra.” This album went Gold in 1991, and is now
approaching Platinum.
In 1992 Mason released A GIFT OF SONG, an instrumental Christmas album featuring
arrangements of traditional carols and original compositions. That same year,
the Vanguard label released MUSIC 1968-1971, a compilation of cuts from his five
Warner Bros. albums recorded in the late 60s, early 70s.
Under his own label, Skookum Records, Mason released EP 2003: MUSIC FOR THE
EPICUREAN HARKENER, which has received a Grammy Nomination for Best Pop
Instrumental Album.
Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, Mason created and performed concerts for band
and orchestra; “SYMPHONIC BLUEGRASS” was performed with over 40 major
symphonies. “OF TIME AND RIVERS FLOWING,” a chronological river of music
encompassing the realms of classical, folk, minstrel, gospel, jazz, country,
pop, and contemporary rock. His “A GIFT OF SONG” Holiday Pops concerts featured
music from his Christmas album and various community artists and choirs.
Recent honors include an Honorary Doctorate of Music from his Alma Mater,
Oklahoma City University and in 2000, Mason was officially designated the
Musician Laureate for the State of Oregon.
Mason’s music has also made its way on-screen. It has been featured in several
films including, The Story of Us, The Dish, Heartbreakers and Cheaper by the
Dozen. On television, Classical Gas has been used in episodes of The Simpsons,
Frasier and The Sopranos. |
