Watch CBS News

Papers of Songwriter Ray Evans, Late Alumnus, Donated To Penn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Workers at the University of Pennsylvania are busy sifting through the donated papers and memorabilia of a well-known songwriter.

Library officials will be sorting through hundreds of items owned by Ray Evans, who with partner Jay Livingston wrote such well known songs as "Silver Bells," "Que Sera Sera," "Mona Lisa," and the theme songs to the TV shows "Bonanza" and "Mr. Ed."

"Ray Evans was a 1936 graduate of Wharton," says Nancy Shawcross, curator of manuscripts at Penn.  "His songwriting partner, Jay Livingston, was a 1937 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and it was here that they met."

Items in the collection include Evans' clarinet, his gold records and other awards, plus photos, sheet music, and recordings.

Evans died in 2007, at the age of 92.

Reported by Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.