DOVER, N.J., July 22 (UPI) -- Musician Michael Gibson, who orchestrated Broadway's "Grease" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" has died at a New Jersey hospice. He was 60.
Gibson died of lung cancer at St. Clare's Hospital in Dover, N.J., last Friday, his wife, Ellen, told The Los Angeles Times.
Gibson, a trombonist, started his career working with soul singer James Brown in New York, but turned to Broadway in 1972, the Times said.
He orchestrated his first Broadway musical, "Grease," in 1972 and did the best-selling soundtrack for the movie in 1978.
"Michael Gibson was one of the best orchestrators we had," Stephen Oremus, who worked the Gibson on "All Shook Up," told the Times.
He also orchestrated original productions of "The Rink," "Steel Pier," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" as well as shows for Liza Minelli and several other solo performers.
In addition to "Grease," his Hollywood credits include "Roseland" and "Still of the Night."
Gibson is survived by his wife and his son, Andrew.
