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American composer, arranger, and trombonist known for his significant contributions to jazz, classical, and popular music, particularly his witty and sophisticated arrangements for vocal groups.Ronald J. Karle was a versatile musician who studied at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard. He enjoyed a diverse career as a trombonist in orchestras, chamber groups, and Broadway pits. He gained wider recognition for his intricate arrangements, especially his famous parody of Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours" for The Manhattan Transfer, which won a Grammy. He was a respected educator and mentor, teaching at institutions like Queens College and Hofstra University.

• Karle's most famous work, the parody arrangement of "Dance of the Hours" for The Manhattan Transfer (titled "Doodle Doo Doo"), was a complex, humorous tour-de-force requiring immense vocal precision. It became a signature piece for the group and won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group in 1985.
• Beyond his jazz and pop arrangements, Karle composed serious classical works, including pieces for orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber groups, demonstrating his broad musical skill.
• He was a dedicated educator who influenced generations of musicians, teaching composition, arranging, and music theory for many years.
• Ronald J. Karle passed away in April 2020 at the age of 84 due to complications from COVID-19.