Born: August 27, 1921 (New York)

Died: January 3, 1994 (New York) Buried: Long Island National Cemetary, East Farmingdale, NY

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Harry Cykman was a child prodigy, making his violin debut in 1930 at age 9. He was a winner if the Naumburg competition in 1940. In 1942, he played a minor role in a stunt for the radio game show "Truth or Consequences." He played classical music on local New York radio stations and at Carnegie Hall.

Harry Cykman became best known as a working session musician. He was often heard on jazz recordings with organist Shirley Scott, Freddie Hubbard, Billie Holiday and Grover Washington. In the 1970s , Cykman was a frequent violinist on Broadway playing in shows such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "The Wiz," as well as the one-night only benefit "Sondheim: A Musical Tribute." For film, he was heard on the soundtracks for "Harry and the Hendersons," "The Dead Pool," "Star Trek IV" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He was also the vioilnist who played on Sesame Street records, such as the 1981 "Big Bird Discovers the Orchestra" and the "The People in Your Neighborhood" as well as "Big Bird's Bedtime Stories" both from 1980.

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The New York Times, January 22, 1941, review excerpt

Harry Cykman Heard

"Harry Cykman, a 19-year-old violinist who made his debut in San Francisco at the age of 7, gave his first New York recital yesterday afternoon at the Town Hall under the auspices of the Walter W. Naumburg Musical Foundation, whose prize he won last April. The young violinist has quick, sure fingers, he commands an exceptionally warm, singing tone and he plays with the assurance of a veteran."

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