Peter Matz

Peter Matz (1928-2002) was a composer, conductor, and arranger who often served as musical director on variety series and specials. He was the conductor and arranger for The Jimmy Dean Show (including [{Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf's]] weekly song) and later for The Muppets Go Hollywood. The later used Matz's orchestra, and Matz himself was glimpsed from behind leading them.

Matz frequently collaborated with Barbra Streisand, conducting, arranging, and sometimes songwriting for several albums (including People), as well as TV specials and the film Funny Lady. He arranged at various times for Liza Minnelli (including two Broadway concerts) and Tony Bennett, played piano for Noel Coward at Las Vegas (1955), and keyboards for The Ethel Merman Disco Album (1979).

On television, Matz was orchestra leader or musical director for Hullabaloo, The Kraft Music Hall, and The Carol Burnett Show, as well as composing themes for the sitcoms CPO Sharkey (with Don Rickles) and Mama's Family. He scored the Tim Conway/Don Knotts film The Private Eyes and an assortment of made-for-TV movies.